Along with pt0608’s suggestion, watch this
Beethoven’s symphony no.7 does it for me every time.
Also, I’ve always had a soft spot for Gustav Mahler. For relaxing, there is nothing better than Eric Satie (especially Gymnopedies).

another for Gorecki no3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miLV0o4AhE4
a bit of Lark Ascending is always a winner https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLhpkvQLDt0

and philip glass is pretty awesome metamorphosis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2inNYauU1o

bach cello suite 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwHpDOWhkGk

Anything by Beethoven for me, especially his piano sonatas.
Liszt is good too.
For power there is Vagner or Mozart’s Requiem.
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPlhKP0nZII[/video]

I can’t help but be amazed at the skill involved it takes to make a good instrument and the hours of study to master the instrument to a higher enough level to be professional. Considering all of the different instruments involved. Then for someone to write something moving and beautiful to be played with those instruments together and create one massive wall of sound so moving it can stay with you for the rest of your life.
If you find a favourite I would recommend treating yourself if you can and go and see a performance live.
My wife has played this and it always brings me to tears.
[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMoUQVPMadg[/video]

Then listen to Symphony No. 5

Then nos 8 and 10

Have you ventured into Opera yet?

“PETER GRIMES……”

The Protecting Veil by John Tavener isn’t a foot tapper, but if you’re in the mood, it’ll blow the top off your head off.

Even better in the flesh if you get the opportunity. I have seen Steven Isserlis perform it and that was magical.

Yo-Yo Ma playing Bach’s cello suites. Bach’s Magnificat, Toccata and Fugue in D minor. All lifelong listening.

Then nos 8 and 10

When you’ve finished with those, do 12 🙂

Can say a very big thank you to everyone who has contributed. I’m having loads of fun discovering a new genre of music. I’ve only sampled a few of the suggestions so far and really enjoying them all especially the John Williams. Looking forward to making my way through the rest of the suggestions.

Have you ventured into Opera yet?

Went for the first time last night. Work had organised a trip and I managed to get a last minute spare ticket. Saw Verdi’s La traviata at the Royal Opera House and absolutely loved it! There was a bit were the stage was full of singers all singing together full whack with the orchestra going full whack, the sound was amazing had the hairs standing up and tingling totally fantastic!

Don’t forget that most classical music was written before electricity and amplification so the objective was to have the greatest effect possible on the audience. Classical instruments evolved over the centuries to make a louder sound – read Big Bangs by by Howard Goodall (in my class at school) or better still, watch the documentary to gain a better understanding of this. Another thing you ought to watch is the superb film Amadeus, which will make you fall in love with Mozart and give you an insight into some of the reasons why composers compose.

Listen to this 1600s Lutheran Christmas mass at 27.09 to get an understanding of how sacred music was composed and performed to inspire congragations: play it LOUD on some big speakers. Hair standing on end, guaranteed.

aye, Praetorius is very, very good. See also Schutz – some just sublime stuff in a variety of works.
{ edit – it’s that recording of the Christmas Mass I have, as well .. ]

I really enjoy the Radio 3 Composer of the Week slot, puts it all in context and hugely entertaining. The presenter is vey engaging too – he has said that he enjoys casting a light on the various composers – with a caveat about Carl Orff (Carmina Burana)..

For a good, stirring piece, you could also look to Wagner’s Tannhäuser overture. Utterly beautiful piece of music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRmCEGHt-Qk

HTH