No. 6: Dies Irae from Mozart’s Requiem

• Although drastically different from Verdi’s, Mozart’s Dies Irae does not lack in intensity and ferociousness. Composed in 1791, this was the last work written by Mozart. The Requiem is a very popular piece, not only due to its beauty, but also for its mystery. There are many myths surrounding the exact details on how the Requiem was completed. Mozart died before the work was finished; it was Süssmayr who actually completed the work.

• Hear Mozart’s Dies Irae in the movies X-Men 2, Duplex, and The Incredibles DVD – Jack-Jack Attacks.

No. 7: Nessun Dorma from Turandot, by Puccini

• Nessun Dorma, a deliriously beautiful aria, is known by millions of people, but if you ask them to sing it, they can’t. Why? Because many of them don’t put the name with the song. Nessun Dorma became a household tune, possibly due to the huge success and marketability of the three tenors (Jose Carreras, Luciano Pavarotti, and Placido Domingo), as well as being played in many movie soundtracks.
• Hear Puccini’s Nessun Dorma in the movies Chasing Liberty, Man on Fire, and Bend in like Bekham.

  No. 8: Movement 2 from Symphony No. 7, Beethoven

• The second movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 is an extremely memorable piece, and the most popular of the four movements. The commanding melodic line repeated throughout the movement’s entirety will give you chills as it progresses. Completed in 1812, it has been enchanting audiences ever since.
• Hear Movement 2 of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in the movies Mr. Hollands Opus, Immortal Beloved, and Cowards Bend the Knee.

  No. 9: Ride of the Valkyries from Die Walküre, by Wagner

  • Featured in cartoons and movies, and everything in between, children and adults alike are very familiar with this piece. To many, Ride of the Valkyries represents the stereotypical large opera female festooned with braids, horned helmet, and metal breastplate with spear in hand. Although a wonderful piece, Ride of the Valkyries loses some of its magic among all this pop culture.
  • Hear Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries in the movies Apocalypse Now, The Blues Brothers, and Full Metal Jacket.

  No. 10: Peer Gynt Suite No.1, 'Morning', by Grieg

  • Synonomous with the rising sun, Grieg’s 'Morning' from Suite No. 1 is known by one and all. Children become familiar with this piece early on, as it is played in many cartoons. Unfortunately, the song titles of songs played are not credited in the ending credits, and even if they were, would kids even notice? I doubt it.
  • Hear Grieg’s 'Morning' from Suite No. 1 in the movies Raising Cain and Soylent Green.