A random initial order is often used to evaluate sorting algorithms in order to elucidate the "typical" case and to facilitate mathematical analysis. For some applications, however, this does not represent the typical case, so conclusions drawn here do not generalize.
Here we see the vast difference in speed between the O(n2) elementary sorting algorithms (insert, selection, bubble) and the more advanced algorithms.
Algorithms in Java, Parts 1-4, 3rd edition by Robert Sedgewick. Addison Wesley, 2003.
Programming Pearls by Jon Bentley. Addison Wesley, 1986.
Quicksort is Optimal by Robert Sedgewick and Jon Bentley, Knuthfest, Stanford University, January, 2002.
Dual Pivot Quicksort: Code and Discussion.
Bubble-sort with Hungarian ("Csángó") folk dance YouTube video, created at Sapientia University, Tirgu Mures (Marosvásárhely), Romania.
Select-sort with Gypsy folk dance YouTube video, created at Sapientia University, Tirgu Mures (Marosvásárhely), Romania.
Sorting Out Sorting, Ronald M. Baecker with the assistance of David Sherman, 30 minute color sound film, Dynamic Graphics Project, University of Toronto, 1981. Excerpted and reprinted in SIGGRAPH Video Review 7, 1983. Distributed by Morgan Kaufmann, Publishers. Excerpt.