Portal:Featured sounds

Organised, by date of composition or (where that is not available) date of performance. Where dating is particularly ambiguous, the date is marked with "?". Arrangements not notable in their own right are listed by date of the original composition.

11th century – Victimae Paschali Laudes

The 11th-century "Victimae Paschali Laudes", traditionally attributed to Wipo of Burgundy, is one of the few traditional Latin "sequences" still used by the Roman Catholic Church today.

12th century – A chantar m'er

A 12th-century song by Comtessa Beatritz de Dia, "A Chantar" is the only existing song by a trobairitz which survives with its music.

c.1151 – Ordo Virtutum: "O frondens virga"

From Ordo Virtutum (c.1151) by Abbess Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179). Performed by Makemi

1670 – Was frag ich nach der Welt

A selection from Dieterich Buxtehude's cantata Was frag ich nach der Welt

1787 – Eine kleine Nachtmusik (First Movement, Allegro)

The first movement of Mozart's Serenade No. 13.

1738 – Serse: "Ombra mai fù"

"Ombra mai fù" (and the introductory recitative) from George Frideric Handel's Serse, as performed by Enrico Caruso in 1920.

1788 – Auld Lang Syne

Frank C. Stanley's 1910 performance of Robert Burns' Auld Lang Syne. Contains the first and last verse.

1800 – Le trompeur trompé: Dieu du bonheur, Dieu plein du charmes...

A polacca from Le trompeur trompé, an 1800 opéra comique by Pierre Gaveaux and François Bernard-Valville. Performed on historical instruments, with Montserrat Alavedra as Agathe.

1851 – Rigoletto: "Bella figlia dell'amore"

From Giuseppe Verdi's Rigoletto. This 1907 Victor Records recording starred Enrico Caruso, Bessie Abott, Louise Homer and Antonio Scotti.

1853 – Il trovatore: "Stride la vampa"

From Act II of Giuseppe Verdi's Il trovatore. Sung by Gabriella Besanzoni in 1920.

1856 — Battle Hymn of the Republic

The Battle Hymn of the Republic; lyrics by Julia Ward Howe set to a circa 1855 tune by William Steffe. Performed by Frank C. Stanley, Elise Stevenson, and a mixed quartet in 1908.

1859 - Un ballo in maschera: È scherzo od è follia

Enrico Caruso, Frieda Hempel, Maria Duchêne, Andrés de Segurola, and Léon Rothier perform "È scherzo od è follia" from Giuseppe Verdi's Un ballo in maschera (1859), in this 1915 Victor Recording.

1859 – Faust: "O merveille! ... A moi les plaisirs"

The Act I finale of Charles Gounod's Faust (1859), sung by Enrico Caruso and Marcel Journet in 1910.

1862 – Brass band arrangement of the Hunters' Chorus from The Lily of Killarney

Brass band arrangement of the Hunters' Chorus from The Lily of Killarney using period instruments. During the 19th century, brass bands began to spring up throughout Europe and America. Popular music, including operas, were arranged for them by composers and music sellers eager to cash in on the free advertising they provided.

1868 – Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: "Morgenlich leuchtend im rosigen Schein"

Leo Slezak's 1910 Edison Records recording of Walther's Prize Song from Richard Wagner's Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg.

1870 – Le régiment de Sambre et Meuse

An 1870 French song about the Army of Sambre-et-Meuse by Robert Planquette and Paul Cézano. Sung by Pierre d'Assy in 1905.

1875 – Carmen: Chanson du toréador

Pasquale Amato's 1911 rendition of the Toréador's song from Georges Bizet's Carmen (1875).

1877 – The Lost Chord

A 1913 recording of "The Lost Chord" sung by Reed Miller. The lyrics are by Christian mystic poet Adelaide Anne Procter, and were set to music by Arthur Sullivan at the bedside of his dying brother, Fred Sullivan, to whom the song is dedicated. "The Lost Chord" proved immediately successful and remains one of the most enduring of Sullivan's non-operatic compositions.

1880 – Kimi ga Yo

1930 recording of the Japanese national anthem, Kimi ga Yo. Includes both the vocal and instrumental parts.

1884 – The Skye Boat Song

An adaptation of the Skye Boat Song for bagpipes played by the Clan Stewart Pipe Band.

1884 – Manon: "Manon! avez-vous peur...On l'appelle Manon"

1912 recording by Enrico Caruso and Geraldine Farrar of a scene from Act II of Jules Massenet's Manon (1884).

1885 – Le Cid: "Pleurez, pleurez, mes yeux"

From Jules Massenet's Le Cid (1885). Sung by Marguerite Sylva in 1910 for Edison Records.

1885 – Le Cid: "O souverain, O juge, O père!"

From Jules Massenet's Le Cid (1885). Sung by Enrico Caruso in 1916 for the Victor Talking Machine Company.

1886 – The Carnival of the Animals

A complete recording of Camille Saint-Saëns' The Carnival of the Animals (in fourteen movements) by pianists Neil and Nancy O'Doan and the Seattle Youth Symphony. Conducted by Vilem Sokol.

1887 - Otello: "Sì, pel ciel marmoreo giuro!"

A 1914 recording by Titta Ruffo and Enrico Caruso of Giuseppe Verdi's Otello.

1887 - Otello: Niun mi tema

Francesco Tamagno, the original Otello, sings "Niun mi tema" (Morte d'Otello) from Giuseppe Verdi's Otello. This 1903 recording dates from just two years before Tamagno's death.

1894 – Antonín Dvořák: Ten Biblical songs (Czech: Biblické Písně), Op. 99

Antonín Dvořák's 1894 song cycle, based on selections from the Book of Psalms as translated by the Bible of Kralice.

1896 – La bohème: "O soave fanciulla"

"O soave fanciulla" from Giacomo Puccini's La bohème, sung by Enrico Caruso and Nellie Melba in 1907.

1896 - La bohème: O Mimì, tu più non torni

A 1907 recording by Enrico Caruso and Antonio Scotti of "O Mimì, tu più non torni" from Act IV of Giacomo Puccini's La bohème.

1899 – Maple Leaf Rag

Maple Leaf Rag, by Scott Joplin. Performed by William J. Leslie.

1899 – Florodora: Tell me pretty maiden

The hit song from the 1899 musical Florodora, which played a major role in developing the chorus line. A circa 1908 Edison Records recording by the "Edison Sextette" (Ada Jones, George S. Lenox, Corinne Morgan, Grace Nelson, Bob Roberts and Frank C. Stanley).

1900 – Tosca: Vissi d'arte

Emmy Destinn's 1914 recording of Vissi d'arte from Giacomo Puccini's Tosca.

c. 1900? – Antonio Pasculli - Gran Concerto

Antonio Pasculli's Gran Concerto on themes from Verdi's I Vespri Siciliani . Performed by Alex Klein, oboe, and Lisa Bergman, piano.

1902 – Lillian Russell – Come Down Ma Evenin' Star

Lillian Russell's only recording, from 1912. During the production of Twirly Whirly, composer John Stromberg delayed giving her her solo for several days, saying it wasn't ready. When he committed suicide a few days before the first rehearsal, the sheet music for "Come Down Ma Evenin' Star" was found in his pocket. It became Lillian Russell's signature song.

1904 – Song of the "Ujangong" mask dance

Wax cylinder recording from German New Guinea on August 23, 1904, recorded by German anthropologist Rudolf Pöch

1904 - Castrato singing

A recording of "Hostias Et Preces" by Eugenio Terziani (1824-1889), sung the last surviving castrato of the Pope's choir, Alessandro Moreschi (1858-1922). Moreschi, as the only castrato trained in the old traditions to be recorded, provides our only insight into what a lost musical tradition was like.

1908 – Shine On, Harvest Moon

A 1909 Edison Records recording of husband-and-wife team Jack Norworth and Nora Bayes' 1908 hit Shine On, Harvest Moon. Performed by Ada Jones and Billy Murray.

1910 – How can they tell that I'm Irish?

1910 Edison Records recording of vaudeville performer Edward M. Favor's rendition of Clarence Wainwright Murphy's song How can they tell that I'm Irish?

1912 – Memphis Blues

"Memphis Blues", composed by W. C. Handy in 1912. This is the first known recording, performed by the Victor Military Band, July 15, 1914.

1914 – I Want to Go Back to Michigan

I Want to Go Back to Michigan, written by Irving Berlin, and performed by Billy Murray for Edison Records in 1914.

1918 – Oh! How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning

Irving Berlin's 1918 hit "Oh! How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning", sung by Arthur Fields in 1919.

1919 – Swanee

Al Jolson's hit 1920 recording of George Gershwin and Irving Caesar's 1919 "Swanee". Sheet music is available at Wikisource.

1920 – Crazy Blues

The first recording of vocal blues music by an African-American singer: Mamie Smith's performance of Perry Bradford's "Crazy Blues" in 1920.

1921 – I'm Just Wild About Harry

Instrumental version of the most famous song from the 1921 musical Shuffle Along, recorded during its original Broadway run. Later used as a presidential campaign song for Harry Truman.

1922 – Save A Little Dram For Me

Prohibition era song by Skidmore--Walker, sung by Duke Rogers, recorded by Thomas Edison's studio, 1922. Duration 3:29.

1930s? - "Los Cuatro Generales" and "Viva La Quince Brigada"

Two folk songs from the Spanish Civil War sung by Leon Lishner.

1933 – Chegou a hora da fogueira

Carmen Miranda and Mário Reis, recorded and released in 1933

1933 – Alô... Alô?

Carmen Miranda and Mário Reis, recorded in 1933, released in 1934

1934 – March of the Volunteers

The national anthem of the People's Republic of China, March of the Volunteers, performed by the United States Navy Band.

1935 – Por una cabeza

Carlos Gardel and Alfredo Le Pera's classic 1935 tango, Por una cabeza.

1938 – Oppaneun punggakjaengi (오빠는 풍각쟁이)

A 1938 teuroteu by Kim Song Kyu and Park Yeong Ho. Sung by Park Hyang Rim.

1943 – Oh Jonah!

A gospel song sung by the Golden Jubilee Quartet detailing the story of the Book of Jonah.

1943 – My Lord Is Writin'

A gospel song sung by the Cochran Field Singers.

1943 – We are Americans, Praise the Lord

A World War II gospel song sung by Bertha Houston and her congregation.

1995 – Colin Ross - Etherea

An example of new age music, performed on the recorder, from the 1995 album Refractions by Colin Ross

2001 – Diavolska shterka

A song from Bulgarian folk metal band Balkandji's first album, Probuzhdane ("Awake")

c. 2003 – Still Another Wanderer

Music from the Open Source game Battle for Wesnoth, demonstrating many key features of modern video game music

Omaha Flag song

Traditional anthem in the Omaha language, used for homecomings and to close ceremonies. Translation: : "When you went overseas, you made a stand so that the flag could be raised. When you returned, you brought the flag back. You saved our lives."

Star in the East solfege

An example of a singer reading shape notes, this shows how a trained shape note singer would have the music to "Star of the East" marked up in the shape note tradition's modified solfege.

[edit] George Frideric Handel — Fitzwilliam Sonatas

Handel's Fitzwilliam Sonata 1

Handel's Fitzwilliam Sonata 2

Handel's Fitzwilliam Sonata 3

[edit] Ludwig van Beethoven – Moonlight Sonata

Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor Op. 27 No. 2 – Moonlight (1801)

1st Movement: Adagio sostenuto

2nd Movement: Allegretto

Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor Op. 27 No. 2 – Moonlight

3rd Movement:Presto agitato

Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor Op. 27 No. 2 – Moonlight

[edit] Antonio Vivaldi – The Four Seasons

Antonio Vivaldi: The Four Seasons (Le quattro stagioni, 1725). Performed by the Wichita State University Chamber Players; violin, John Harrison.

Concerto No. 1 in E major, Op. 8, RV 269, "La primavera" (Spring)

Spring, 1: Allegro

Spring, 2: Largo

Spring, 3: Allegro

Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 8, RV 315, "L'estate" (Summer)

Summer, 1: Allegro non molto

Summer, 2: Adagio

Summer, 3: Presto

Concerto No. 3 in F major, Op. 8, RV 293, "L'autunno" (Autumn)

Autumn, 1: Allegro

Autumn, 2: Adagio molto

Autumn, 3: Allegro

Concerto No. 4 in F minor, Op. 8, RV 297, "L'inverno" (Winter)

Winter, 1: Allegro non molto

Winter, 2: Largo

Winter, 3: Allegro

[edit] Franz Schubert – Impromptu in B flat

Franz Schubert's Impromptu in B flat (1827, D. 935/3; Op. 142 No. 3)

Theme: Andante

Variation I

Variation II

Variation III

Variations IV through VI

A combined version is also available:

Complete version: Theme and Variations I through VI

[edit] Ludwig van Beethoven - Piano Sonata No. 28

Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major, Op. 101 (1816). Performed by Daniel Veesey from Musopen.com.

See also: Beethoven's original sketch of the fourth movement.

Movement I

Movement II

Movements III and IV

[edit] Charles Gounod - Petite Symphonie pour neuf instruments à vent

Charles Gounod's Petite Symphonie pour neuf instruments à vent (Little Symphony for Nine Woodwinds, 1885). Performed by the Soni Ventorum: Felix Skowronek, flute; Laila Storch, oboe; William McColl, clarinet; Christopher Leuba, horn; Arthur Grossman, Bassoon; and guest performers Ove Hanson, oboe; Julie Oster, clarinet; David Cottrell, horn; and Robert Olson, bassoon.

I. Adagio, allegro

II: Andante cantabile

III: Scherzo (Allegro moderato)

IV: Finale (Allegretto)

[edit] Johann Sebastian Bach - Sonata for Flute or Recorder and Harpsichord in B minor, BWV 1030

Johann Sebastian Bach's Sonata in B minor for flute or recorder and harpsichord. Performed by Alex Murray (traverso) and Martha Goldstein (harpsichord)

I. Andante

II. Largo e Dolce

III. Presto

[edit] Gilbert and Sullivan - H.M.S. Pinafore

These recordings of selections from W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore (1878) was created by Edison Records in 1911. It stars Elizabeth Spencer, Mary Jordan, Harry Anthony, Walter Van Brunt, James F. Harrison, and William F. Hooley.

"Pinafore airs", pt. 1

Includes "We have sailed the ocean blue" "Hail, men of oarsmen", "I'm called Little Buttercup", and "A maiden fair to see"

"Pinafore airs", pt. 2

Includes "My gallant crew, good morning", "I am the Captain of the Pinafore", "Sorry her lot" (second verse, beginning "Sad is the hour"), "Over the bright blue sea", and "I am the monarch of the sea"

[edit] Molière and Jean-Baptiste Lully - Le Bourgeois gentilhomme

The ballet music by Jean-Baptiste Lully from Le Bourgeois gentilhomme Molière's 1670 comédie-ballet (that is, a ballet broken up by spoken scenes). This version was performed by the Advent Chamber Orchestra in 2007.

1. Ouverture

2. Gravement

3. Sarabande

4. Bouree

5. Gaillarde Canarie

6. Gavotte

7. Loure

8. Air des Espagnoles

9. Menuet 1 and 2

10. Chaconne des Scaramouche, Trivelins

11. Marche pour la Ceremonie des Turcs

[edit] Videos

1943 - Russian national anthem

Performance of the Hymn of the Russian Federation by the Presidential Orchestra and Kremlin Choir at the inauguration of President Dmitry Medvedev at The Kremlin on 7 May 2008. The lyrics were written in 1943 by Sergey Mikhalkov to a pre-existing tune by Alexander Alexandrov. In 2000, it was reinstated as the national anthem of Russia.

Spring Peepers

A pond of Spring Peepers and Wood Frogs in Presqu'ile Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada, April 2006

American robin

The morning song of the American robin

Common blackbird

A common blackbird (Turdus merula) singing in a forest in southern Finland.

Alligator bellow

Field recording of an alligator by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service

Tokay gecko mating call

Mating call of a male Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko).

Walking on singing sand

Walking on singing sand at "Kotogahama" Beach in Nimacho, Odashi, Shimane, Japan

Suikinkutsu

A recording of a suikinkutsu, a type of Japanese garden ornament and musical device.

1860 – Au Clair de la Lune

This 1860 phonautogram by Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville is the earliest known recording of the human voice, though it was never intended to be played back.

June 1888 – "Israel In Egypt", recorded at the 1888 Handel Festival

The earliest surviving phonograph cylinder recording of music. Recorded on a paraffin cylinder on June 29, 1888 by George Gouraud.

c. July 1888 – Recording of Arthur Sullivan's "The Lost Chord"

The Lost Chord, recorded by George Gouraud. It was played at the August 14, 1888 press conference that introduced the phonograph to London.

October 1888 – After-dinner speech by Arthur Sullivan at the Little Menlo, London

A very early wax cylinder recording (October 5, 1888) of composer Arthur Sullivan. It was created in London by George Gouraud as an audio letter to be sent back to Edison.

1898 – When Johnny Comes Marching Home

United States military song recorded during the Spanish–American War by Emile Berliner, inventor of the first lateral disc audio record, one year after he received the patent on the device.

1906 – I am the Edison Phonograph

This 1906 recording enticed store customers with the wonders of an exciting invention: the phonograph cylinder.

1912 – The Right of the People to Rule

Excerpts of a speech given by Theodore Roosevelt at Carnegie Hall, March 12, 1912, recorded August 12 by Thomas Edison. The time constraints of the wax cylinder medium probably required the abridgement.

1915 – The Star-Spangled Banner

A recording of the Star-Spangled Banner, later the national anthem of the United States, by widower President Woodrow Wilson's First Lady, his daughter Margaret Woodrow Wilson

1921 – "Explanation of the Objects of the Universal Negro Improvement Association"

Complete 1921 speech by Marcus Garvey

1939 – Chamberlain war declaration

Neville Chamberlain announcing that Britain was at war with Germany, over the wireless, on 3 September 1939

1941 – Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Day of Infamy Speech

Franklin Delano Roosevelt's speech after the Pearl Harbor attacks

1945 – Harry Truman announcing the surrender of Germany

Public statement by Harry S. Truman on May 8, 1945 announcing the surrender of Germany.

1945 – Harry Truman announcing the surrender of Japan

Speech by Harry S. Truman announcing the surrender of Japan, officially ending World War II, on 1 September 1945.

1961 – Eisenhower farewell address

Farewell address by United States president Dwight D. Eisenhower from January 17, 1961. Duration 15:30.

1961 – Inaugural address of John F. Kennedy

The full audio recording of the inaugural address made by John F. Kennedy after being sworn in as the thirty-fifth President of the United States on January 20, 1961. Duration 14:00.

1962 – Address on the Buildup of Arms in Cuba

Kennedy addressing the nation on October 22, 1962 about the buildup of arms on Cuba.

1963 – Ich bin ein Berliner

United States president John F. Kennedy's "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech at the Berlin Wall, June 26, 1963

1964 — Remarks upon Signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Speech by Lyndon Baines Johnson upon signing the United States Civil Rights Act of 1964.

1969 – "That's one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind."

The sentence uttered by Neil Armstrong upon being the first human to walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 moon landing on July 21, 1969

1970 – Apollo 13: Houston, we've had a problem

James A. Lovell, Jr, Apollo 13 Commander, reporting an explosion on 13 April 1970. Duration 0:17.

1974 — Richard Nixon's resignation speech

Resignation speech of United States President Richard Nixon, delivered 8 August 1974, after the Watergate scandal had reached its peak.

1974 – Gerald Ford Vietnam clemency remarks

Speech by United States President Gerald Ford announcing clemency plans for Vietnam era draft evaders.

1977 - Statement on the Panama Canal Treaty Signing

Statement on the Panama Canal Treaty Signing, by Jimmy Carter.

1981 – First Inaugural address of Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan's inaugural address for his first term as President of the United States.

1987 – Ronald Reagan: Tear down this wall

Complete speech by Ronald Reagan at the Brandenburg Gate, June 12, 1987.

September 11, 2001 – Statement by the President in his Address to the Nation

George W. Bush's address to the people of the United States, September 11, 2001, 8:30pm EDT.

2002 State of the Union Address

The full 2002 State of the Union Address made by George W. Bush where he first uses the term axis of evil (Duration: 39 minutes, 5 seconds)

January 28, 2008 – State of the Union Address by President George W. Bush

George W. Bush's address, given on the first floor of the House of Representatives at the Capitol.

2009 - Barack Obama taking the Oath of office

The full audio recording of Barack Obama and Chief Justice John G. Roberts as Obama takes the Oath of office of the President of the United States as the forty-fourth President of the United States during his inauguration on January 20, 2009. Roberts recited the oath, which should be "I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will to best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." incorrectly three times, which caused Obama to also stumble on his lines. (Duration: 45 seconds)

2009 - Barack Obama's inauguration speech

The full audio recording of the inaugural address made by Barack Obama after being sworn in as the forty-fourth President of the United States on January 20, 2009. (Duration: 18 minutes, 57 seconds)