A Fun List of Great Classical Songs

After my last post, I was asked to create a list of my favorite classical works, symphonies, movements, or songs from each classical artist.

What follows is that list.

A disclaimer here is also very important, any list such as this will leave out a preponderance of great music. Also, this list will change probably by the day, if not by the minute. (How does one choose the best of Mozart or Bach – let alone the others?) As I created this list, I kept changing my mind over any number of songs.

Against my better judgement, I also added some film scores to the list. (We can’t take ourselves too seriously.)

This list is just a start. I will have more to add. I have left off many great artists and songs.

All that being said, the music that follows is undeniably, great.

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A Fun List of Great Songs

I listen to a lot of music when I exercise.

While riding my exercise bike the other day, I heard a song that I especially enjoyed and started to think about my favorite songs from many various musical artists.  (It is good to distract one’s mind during long workouts.)

After the workout, I began to create this list of my favorite songs from a host of musical groups and artists.  It was an interesting exercise as I thought about songs and artists. 

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Radio Interview With Marc Medley

This is my recent interview with Marc where we discuss many topics including my new book WEST POINT AT GETTYSBURG (VOL. 1).

Random & Important Thoughts

I have a bunch of scattered thoughts to share. These will come in no particular order.

My treadmill is basically broken. I can run on it in a pinch, but it skips a bit and makes a loud bang every few steps making it very hard to maintain any type of pace or focus. I have had this treadmill for at least a decade. I have run thousands and thousands (I’m thinking at least 10,000) miles on it. It owes me nothing. I wanted to run today, but it’s cold and snowing… so I went outside anyway.

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My Favorite Books Read 2025

My goal each year is to read at least 30 books. I exceeded my goal in 2025, but it wasn’t easy for a number of reasons…

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My Sermon: 12/28/25

On December 28, 2025, I was asked to deliver the sermon at Grace United Methodist Church in Wyckoff, New Jersey.

What follows is the text of my sermon.

God Bless.

***

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Praise for WEST POINT AT GETTYSBURG

The first volume of my three-volume series, West Point at Gettysburg (Vol. 1 A-G) is receiving initial praise.

These three volumes will tell the stories of every single West Point graduate who fought at the Battle of Gettysburg. In addition, there are a host of interesting lists that also help tell a compelling story of these men, the battle, the Civil War, and their lives after this event.

This work will be published by Sunbury Press in early 2026.

One of the greatest and most respected Civil War writers, Dr. James M. McPherson of Princeton University and the author of Battle Cry of Freedom and a host of other Civil War books, just offered the following praise:

Paul Semendinger has produced a unique volume that is a combination reference work, collective biography, and narrative of the battle of Gettysburg.  In all of these capacities it will be of great value to anyone interested in the American Civil War, especially it biggest and most famous battle.

Other writers and historians have also offered positive reviews:

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My NYC Marathon Sermon 2025

Even though I don’t run marathons any longer, this morning I gave back to the people, the race, and the city I love my serving as the co-chaplain at the religious service tent. It was a glorious day for the runners.

Here is the sermon I delivered at all of the services:

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The New Principal

It was 3:15 a.m., just like the old days, and I was awake. I was thinking about all I needed to do that day.

I got my workout in early. Just like the old days. I didn’t know what time I would be done with my work and I wanted to make sure I got some exercise in. (I don’t run marathons any longer, but I haven’t stopped working out.)

I grabbed a shirt, and a fun tie, and got dressed, just like the old days.

And I got in my car and drove to a school, to be the principal again.

Just like the old days.

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