Music is my religion. Whether I'm listening to it or performing it, my favorite pieces provoke strong emotions and fill my soul more often and more completely than any other activity.

Recorded or live, slow or fast, with others or alone: The right chords, rhythms, and (sometimes) words can transcend this crude matter called a body. Music heightens the brain's senses and elevates the heart's passion to a place that, for some, just can't be reached via visual art or prose alone. I believe that for most musicians, to some degree, this is true.

The visions, emotions, and thoughts that materialize in your head can be born not only from the music you hear, but also from the scenes, lyrics, or characters that are tied to that music. This is especially true for movie soundtracks, and these emotions can stick with you for your entire life, sometimes even becoming part of your general philosophy.

The following list features ten great pieces (from oldest to newest), each including the title, composer, composition year, musical style, a one-word description, and a few thoughts from yours truly. Keeping this list to just ten was quite a challenge, but I now give you a peek into this music lover's head and heart:

"The Rejoicing", Georg Frideric Handel, 1749, Baroque - CELEBRATION: This fourth movement from "Music For the Royal Fireworks" is a light and breezy tune. It is popular in wedding ceremonies, not only because of the title, but because the constantly running phrases give the piece a traditional buoyancy and happiness that usually accompanies revelry and dancing.

First Movement of Piano Sonata No. 14 ("Moonlight Sonata"), Ludwig Van Beethoven, 1801, Classical - BEAUTY: Beethoven dedicated this piece to one of his female students, a countess. The repeated notes lead into a calm, slightly haunting piano melody that can easily cause deep thought or reflection in the listener. It can certainly help you relax after a tough workday.

"The Stars & Stripes Forever", John Philip Sousa, 1896, March - PATRIOTISM: Never mind that this piece was written by America's "March King," or that it has been American's National March since 1987. Please focus, instead, on the stirring melody that everyone knows, the enticing urge to clap along, and the ensuing joy and pride in our country (despite it's drawbacks).

"Sing Sing Sing", Louie Prima (arr. Benny Goodman),

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