While trying to solidify our list of wedding music, we recently contacted someone we supposed to be an expert on musical matters. The following should illustrate why experts' opinions are only worth so much, and why they are in any case strictly limited to the context of the original inquiry:
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Dear Mr. Music,
I have heard from several reliable sources that you are an expert on music, among other things. I was wondering, what is the most exultant piece of music in history?? Thank you for your help.
~A Music Lover
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Dear Music Lover,
Some would argue that the most exultant piece of music ever was the music played on Nebuchadnezzar's command at the worship of his image. Unfortunately, the original score of the piece has been lost and all we have left is a record of the instruments in the ensemble, including, per the KJV, a delightful little instrument called the sackbut. In all likelihood, it was not the same as the 16th Century AD instrument of that name.
Another strong contender which must likewise be disqualified because of present ignorance is the music from the dedication of Solomon's temple.
Constraining ourselves to currently known music, I think I can put together my top five. Note that this list puts a high premium on the story-telling aspect of the piece. Some pieces (Glazunov's
Solemn Processional, Joseph Wagner's
Under the Double Eagle, and Suppe's
Light Cavalry Overture come immediately to mind) are not included because the do not lay out what the exultation is compared to, what the joy stems from, or what the hardship overcome is.
Hon. Mention) Ludwig von Beethoven:
Symphony no. 9 ("Chorale") - the finale with the "Ode to Joy" is a high and moving moment of exultation in the triumph of man over nature. It takes an hour to get to this point, however, and as nice as the music building up to it is, it does not lay out sufficient groundwork to point to the purpose of the joy.
5) Johannes Brahms:
Ein Deuches Requiem - the jubilance in this piece is very calm and peaceful, which prevents it from taking the top prize, but nonetheless, a exultant look at the temporal and eternal fate of man.
4) John Williams:
Star Wars (particularly the opening titles and the final scene of "A New Hope") - Although there is a lot of "incidental" music to accompany various scenes in this film score, the opening titles provide a forecast of the glorious victory to come for the Rebel Alliance. The music in the final scene gives a sense of the hero's welcome and jubilation for the victory over the greatest implement of death in its day (and galaxy).
3) Giuseppe Verdi:
Nabucco - this nationalistic opera begins with the children of Israel in captivity in Babylon. Their return to Israel makes for great exultation.
2) Pyotr Tchaikovsky:
1812 Overture - Battle and hardship give way to great rejoicing, celebratory artillery fire, and pealing bells. Who wouldn't be happy when the French have left?
1) George Frederick Handel:
Messiah - Man is in a hopeless position, God promises salvation, He sends His son to effect that salvation at great price. Music demonstrates pathos, soars to exultation. Hallelujah!
Mr. Music
