October has come around once again, folks: Assignments have gotten serious, Halloween is on the horizon, and every imaginable food has a pumpkin-spice variety. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. But, if you are anything like me, you probably get sick of the endearing-yet-overplayed Halloween music that's meant to be catchy, but ends up overplayed.

As an alternative, I've compiled this list of classical pieces that never fail to get me in a spooky mood.

1. Johann Sebastian Bach - Toccata and Fugue in D Minor

Bach was, and is, the undeniable master of the fugue, and I dare say this is one of his best. The opening measures are often used in horror films (think of a lone organist playing by candlelight), but the entire piece is bone-chilling.

2. Frederic Chopin - Marche Funebre

Chopin composed this funeral march as part of his second Piano Sonata. The main theme is now the typical funeral music, but the rest is worth a listen as well. It's equal parts macabre and melodic.

3. Ludwig van Beethoven - 5th Symphony, Movement 1

Beethoven's Fifth is perhaps the single most recognizable piece of classical music, and for good reason. The first four notes are sometimes called the "fate motif," which is the central idea for the work--fate knocking at the door. Perfect for Halloween!

4. Carl Orff - O Fortuna

From Orff's cantata Carmina Burana, "O Fortuna" might be my favorite choral piece. The explosive opening, dynamic contrast, and chanting quality make for one eerie listening experience. Also, look up the translation--it's frightening.

5. Franz Liszt - Totentanz

Translating to "Dance of Death," Totentanz is a symphonic piece for piano and orchestra. Liszt was a bit obsessed with death, and this piece shows it. The piano part is nothing short of virtuosic, and worth a listen during a stormy night.

6. Mozart - Lacrimosa

Mozart's entire Requiem could have made this list, but the "Lacrimosa" section stands out as the most chilling. Between the strings' melody and the choir's harmony, the piece really tugs at one's heartstrings.

7. Edvard Grieg - In the Hall of the Mountain King

From the suite Peer Gynt, "In the Hall of the Mountain King" tells of young Peer Gynt approaching a mountain king's throne. I don't know about you, but the gradual accelerando makes my heart pound a bit.

8. Giuseppe Verdi - Dies Irae

You may have noticed that composers really like using Latin when they're trying to scare the hell out of you. Verdi's "Dies Irae" is another explosive and frightening movement from a requiem, and it's especially freaky with the voices weaving in and out of focus.

9. Camille Saint-Saens - Danse Macabre

Forgive me for saving the best for last. One of my all-time favorite pieces, "Danse Macabre" tells the story of a Halloween in which dead spirits come to life and spend the night dancing. Saint-Saens utilizes every instrument in the orchestra so well, one can all but see the spirits dancing before them.