Your Top Five Favorite American Symphonies

[Daverz]

My list would be filled with Ives and Glass only. 
Although I'm too sick today to decide which ones to include. 

I probably should have included some Glass on my list.

[asin]B000675OJE[/asin]

He's been very prolific in the genre, but I haven't caught up to the later stuff.

[TheGSMoeller]

Hope you feel better soon.

Thanks, vander!

I'll help you, Greg:

Ives 1
Ives 2
Ives 3
Ives 4
Ives Holidays

There you go. Perfect...well, no Glass, but as I said, perfect

Sarge

Still a great list!

[71 dB]

I probably should have included some Glass on my list.

[asin]B000675OJE[/asin]

He's been very prolific in the genre, but I haven't caught up to the later stuff.

Glass would definitely be on my list if I could make one. 

[The new erato]

Glass would definitely be on my list if I could make one. 

Yes, but then you don't know any (real) American symphonies, as you yourself mentioned.

[Mirror Image]

Bernstein, Symphony № 2, The Age of Anxiety
Schuman, Symphony № 9, Le fosse ardeatine

Both of these have turned into favorites of mine, although I've never had any issues with Bernstein's Age of Anxiety as it was Schuman's 9th that I didn't know quite how to take, but certainly appreciate and even enjoy more now than I ever have.

[Mirror Image]

Frankly I don't think I have even one "favorite" American Symphony. I wouldn't probably even noticed if all American Symphonies vanished away... ...that's how ignorant I am.

To the bolded text, you never said it any better then you did right there.

Thread duty -

Some changes must be made!

(In no particular order) -

Ives: Symphony No. 4
Barber: Symphony No. 2
Copland: Short Symphony (Symphony No. 2)
Diamond: Symphony No. 3
Harris: Symphony No. 6, "Gettysburg"

[kyjo]

Copland 3
Hanson 2
Barber 1
Piston 2 (mainly for its heart-wrenching slow movement)
Mennin 5

But I feel bad for leaving out Bernstein 1...

[SymphonicAddict]

We agree with some kyjo 

Barber 1
Hanson 2
Copland 3
Chadwick 3
Hovhaness 50

[Mirror Image]

We agree with some kyjo 

Barber 1
Hanson 2
Copland 3
Chadwick 3
Hovhaness 50

Chadwick? Really? Strange choice.

[SymphonicAddict]

Chadwick? Really? Strange choice.

I wanted to choose a composer not so well-known but still worth listening to. It's not that a modern symphony a la Ives. I find it charming. It's my favorite American romantic symphony.

[Mirror Image]

I wanted to choose a composer not so well-known but still worth listening to. It's not that a modern symphony a la Ives. I find it charming. It's my favorite American romantic symphony.

I've heard it before of course, but it's been years ago. The whole generation of American composers that predate Ives like Horatio Parker, Arthur Foote, Edwin MacDowell, among others seem to rely heavily on European models and that's fine, but often times their music comes across as lacking in individuality. I'd say my favorite Romantic American symphony is Ives' 1st, which shows the influence of his teacher, Horatio Parker. I do find Amy Beach pretty interesting, although I'd say her chamber music is much more inventive than her orchestral music.

[SymphonicAddict]

I've heard it before of course, but it's been years ago. The whole generation of American composers that predate Ives like Horatio Parker, Arthur Foote, Edwin MacDowell, among others seem to rely heavily on European models and that's fine, but often times their music comes across as lacking in individuality. I'd say my favorite Romantic American symphony is Ives' 1st, which shows the influence of his teacher, Horatio Parker. I do find Amy Beach pretty interesting, although I'd say her chamber music is much more inventive than her orchestral music.

Beach is nice, too. It's another good example of American pre-modern symphonies. In terms of innovation and creativity, Ives would be the best choice. BTW, I need to get reacquainted his symphonies, which some time ago I don't listen to.

[Mirror Image]

Beach is nice, too. It's another good example of American pre-modern symphonies. In terms of innovation and creativity, Ives would be the best choice. BTW, I need to get reacquainted his symphonies, which some time ago I don't listen to.

If you need any recommendations, don't hesitate to ask. Michael Tilson Thomas, Andrew Litton, Leonard Bernstein, and James Sinclair are always great choices in this repertoire.

[SymphonicAddict]

If you need any recommendations, don't hesitate to ask. Michael Tilson Thomas, Andrew Litton, Leonard Bernstein, and James Sinclair always always great choices in this repertoire.

Thanks. I have the Tilson Thomas (Sony) and the Litton (Hyperion). I remember the Tilson Thomas' performance was better than the Litton.

[vandermolen]

I've come to really appreciate Bernstein's 'Age of Anxiety' recently. Especially in Bernstein's DGG version - a great disc as it's coupled with 'Jeremiah'.

[springrite]

Should I try again?


Harris 3
Diamond 2
Del Tredici: Alice Symphony
Mennin 5
Carter Symphonia

[Christo]

I've come to really appreciate Bernstein's 'Age of Anxiety' recently. Especially in Bernstein's DGG version - a great disc as its coupled with 'Jeremiah'.

Seconded. Anything stemming from a cooperation of both Lenny and my favourite non-Dutch poet & thinker should make a 'heavy' impression. 

[Karl Henning]

Seconded. Anything stemming from a cooperation of both Lenny and my favourite non-Dutch poet & thinker should make a 'heavy' impression. 

Aces, dude.

[Mirror Image]

Should I try again?


Harris 3
Diamond 2
Del Tredici: Alice Symphony
Mennin 5
Carter Symphonia

What's Del Tredici's Alice Symphony like, Paul?

[Christo]

Aces, dude.

Auden would've appreciated (your slang).