Music for the spirit and the soul

John Coltrane's A Love Supreme, Sunship, First Meditations, and Transitions are all excellent recordings of The Quartet--McCoy, Elven, Jimmy, and Trane. These were recorded, I believe, from late '63 through '65. It is my favorite period of Coltrane's career.

Everytime I listen to one of these sides, I take a moment at the end to reflect on the totality of what I have just heard. I don't know, but there isn't too much other music that does this to me.

Faure's Requiem, in it orignal version sung in a chapel by a small group, Herreweghe's 1st version on Harmonia Mundi, is as intimate and moving as Requiems come. Subsequently he did a version for a larger orchestra which is also outstanding and includes and excellent Symphony in D Minor. You can take your pick and not be disappointed.

Sacred Treasures: Choral Masterworks from Russia on the Hearts of Space label is tremendous - exactly what you're looking for. The music is unbelievable beautiful and the recording and performances are absolutely first rate.

Joni Mitchell "Hejira"

If you are looking for quiet, contemplative and spiritual music, like the Part piece, trie Somei Satoh: "Birds in Warped Time II" I believe there is only one available recording.

For music on a grander scale, try Lauridsen: "Lux Aeterna"