The author of Measures of Creative Thinking in Music and over 70 articles and book chapters on music cognition and technology, editorial board member for five music and arts journals and John W. Beattie Professor of Music Education and Technology shares what he thinks are the three most important music pieces ever written. 1. Symphony No. 7, II, Allegretto, BeethovenVintage Beethoven, one of his most amazing symphonic movements in my judgment. 2. The Rite of Spring, StravinskyAll of the three classic ballet works are terribly important for the history of music, but this one is the most celebrated because of all that surrounded its premier and then the course of contemporary music since that time. 3. Well Tempered Clavier, BachA set of stunning works that marked the height of Baroque music. Every NU student should hear…Symphony No. 4, ShostakovichThis is a challenging work, but very worthwhile. It runs the gamut of deep emotions and feelings that music can offer. I recommend the Chicago Symphony Recording with Haitink. On a much lighter note, the music of Billy Joel is well worth it: I like “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and “And So It Goes” as two really nice examples.