Chamber vs. Symphonic

[Opus106]

I was lucky that I met ChamberNut online when I started listening to this music. His enthusiasm for the genre rubbed off on me, although I can't claim to be as big a nut as he is.

[Grazioso]

I love both, but I can say that where Classical and Early Romantic music is concerned, I prefer chamber music. The symphony doesn't get really interesting to me until the late 19th and, particularly, 20th century.

[karlhenning]

I won't be made to choose between the two.

The banana wins!

[ChamberNut]

I could not do without either.  Although the gap has narrowed a bit, I still prefer chamber music.

Otherwise I'd have to change my name! 

When it comes to my two favorite composers, Beethoven & Brahms, I'd say 8 out of 10 times I'll listen to their chamber music, as opposed to symphonic.

Hearing a live performance up close of chamber music is an incredible experience! 

[Diletante]

You're right, of course. We shouldn't be rummaging through the OED. What's the verdict Diletante?

I know that solo music isn't usually counted as chamber music, but since my intention was just to make a fun poll of "few instruments" vs "lots o' instruments", I'll include it in chamber.

[ChamberNut]

I know that solo music isn't usually counted as chamber music, but since my intention was just to make a fun poll of "few instruments" vs "lots o' instruments", I'll include it in chamber.

Now George can vote! 

[karlhenning]

Hah! 

[Gurn Blanston]

I will not be voting any time soon, but just to be clear, does chamber music include keyboard (solo) works?

In music written before 1830 or so, solo piano was considered to be hausmusik or chamber music. After that it was  pretty much concert hall music. So in the Gurnian Period (which is the only one I base my votes on) it IS chamber music.

[Opus106]

I know that solo music isn't usually counted as chamber music, but since my intention was just to make a fun poll of "few instruments" vs "lots o' instruments", I'll include it in chamber.

The inclusion of the solo repertoire definitely gives chamber the upper-hand (Bach's in there ), but still it's neck-and-neck. I have moments of weakness where nothing from chamber music will give me the satisfaction of listening to a soaring string section or the majestic brass.

[Superhorn]

   Impossible for me to choose between the two.  It's like asking whether people love their fathers more than their mothers. 
  It's a false dichotomy if ever there was one.

[Opus106]

   Impossible for me to choose between the two.  It's like asking whether people love their fathers more than their mothers. 
  It's a false dichotomy if ever there was one.

You obviously haven't participated in GMG polls before.

[karlhenning]

Not really happy about clarinet unaccompanied being herded into "solo whatever" 

[Opus106]

Someone's written music for unaccompanied clarinet!

[CD]

Someone's written music for unaccompanied clarinet!

Great album cover, or greatest album cover?

[Opus106]

Great album cover, or greatest album cover?

That's CD full! Thanks. Are there ones that pre-date the 20th-century styles?

[Anne]

Cheers corey! 

corey, I like your avatar too - an inspired choice.  Makes the landscape more interesting.

[Wendell_E]

Hearing a live performance up close of chamber music is an incredible experience! 

Ain't it the truth?  As an added bonus, chamber music audiences are (usually) a lot better behaved than symphonic/operatic ones.

I love 'em both, but chamber music was an easy choice for me.

[karlhenning]

Someone's written music for unaccompanied clarinet!

Once more, without the net

[Grazioso]

Great album cover, or greatest album cover?

[CD]

corey, I like your avatar too - an inspired choice.  Makes the landscape more interesting.

Thank you. I might actually keep this one for longer than a week.