Favourite decade of the 19th Century

[Mirror Image]

Arguably, something that is true for a number of 19^th-c. works. A select number, perhaps; but certainly more than one 

Absolutely. I singled out this work because there really was nothing like it before. The way Debussy dissolved formalities and went his own way was truly an ear-opening revelation for its time.

[André]

It's not clear what 'favorite decade' means. Favorite because of the works composed, of the world as it stood then (including music), or that which you'd like to have lived in ?

[Chronochromie]

Either 1820s for Schubert's and old Ludwig's best works or 1890s for Mahler, Debussy, Fauré, Bruckner, Brahms, Sibelius, Dvorak, Scriabin and Strauss.
1840s and 1850s are good too, with Berlioz, Schumann and Liszt.

[Maestro267]

It's not clear what 'favorite decade' means. Favorite because of the works composed, of the world as it stood then (including music), or that which you'd like to have lived in ?

Umm...

Again, based on the works which appeared, which is your favourite decade of the 19th Century?

I think I made it pretty clear there.

[André]

Sorry, I should have put my glasses on ...

[James]

Don't really think of music in this way .. especially stuff that is way before my time.

My favorite composer of the 19th century was Wagner (the best since Bach IMO) followed by 20th century precursors (French school etc.) ..

I have select favorites from the entire period, but I don't keep the dates too much in mind for everything in order to pick a single decade as a favorite. I don't think many people really do that ..

[Karl Henning]

Absolutely. I singled out this work because there really was nothing like it before. The way Debussy dissolved formalities and went his own way was truly an ear-opening revelation for its time.

Indeed.

[James]

With time and after all of the dust has settled, they stand out so much more .. as is the case time and again.

http://www.gramophone.co.uk/feature/top-10-romantic-composers

[ComposerOfAvantGarde]

With time and after all of the dust has settled, they stand out so much more .. as is the case time and again.

http://www.gramophone.co.uk/feature/top-10-romantic-composers

I find myself agreeing with that list...although I still don't understand what the big deal is about Tchaikovsky. Just a personal preference thing then I suppose.

[Madiel]

Oh yikes, I'm finding this one a little tricky...

1800s really only gets me Beethoven, because the Haydn I know is 1790s. 1810s is still really only Beethoven...

1820s gets me the best Schubert as well, but too early for best quality Chopin and Schumann... I need to go to 1840s for the latter...

Brahms is hard to pin down to a decade. Dvorak I have to get to the mid-1870s, really it's better to go for the 80s or 90s...

Faure. When do I get the best out of Faure, within the 19th century? Because all the late chamber music is out... There's a great cluster of piano music in the 1880s but the smaller quantity in the 1890s has some of my absolute favourites.

My preferred Debussy tips into the 20th century, don't mind the 1890s by any means but it's not the stuff that makes me go wow.

Nope. It's no good. *head explodes*

[zamyrabyrd]

1820's are way ahead. Yay Schubertiads!

[James]

I find myself agreeing with that list...although I still don't understand what the big deal is about Tchaikovsky. Just a personal preference thing then I suppose.

Yea .. it's a strong one & Tchaikovsky should be on it. A master in so many ways. The 19th century was far more innovative (& successful in it's innovations) than the 20th century ever was.

[ComposerOfAvantGarde]

Yea .. it's a strong one & Tchaikovsky should be on it. A master in so many ways. The 19th century was far more innovative (& successful in it's innovations) than the 20th century ever was.

Ooooh I'd say the 17th century was more innovative still!

[James]

Ooooh I'd say the 17th century was more innovative still!

LOVE Baroque, a MAJOR part of the "classical" canon. Widely studied, performed & listened to. 

Some people have this notion that 20th century art music was so radical & innovative, but it truly pales compared to what came before .. and was far less successful.

[Mirror Image]

Some people have this notion that 20th century art music was so radical & innovative, but it truly pales compared to what came before .. and was far less successful.[/size][/font]

And then there's some people, like me, who don't really give a twig whether something was innovative and/or radical. That's the difference between you and me. I listen while you judge.

[James]

And then there's some people, like me, who don't really give a twig whether something was innovative and/or radical. That's the difference between you and me. I listen while you judge.

When your mind is engaged you can listen, and judge, and learn etc. There are often many ways of looking at things my friend. Many layers to consider. Perhaps one day, you'll understand.

[Mirror Image]

When your mind is engaged you can listen, and judge, and learn etc. There are often many ways of looking at things my friend. Many layers to consider. Perhaps one day, you'll understand.

I don't think you listen at all and are too busy wrapped up in the notion that something has to be 'ahead of its time' to have any kind of musical merit.

[James]

I don't think you listen at all and are too busy wrapped up in the notion that something has to be 'ahead of its time' to have any kind of musical merit.

This is all in your head. And totally untrue. I certainly never said that. I was saying that often the music of the past is often way ahead to today's so called "innovations". Of course though, you missed that.

[Mirror Image]

This is all in your head. And totally untrue. I certainly never said that. I was saying that often the music of the past is often way ahead to today's so called "innovations". Of course though, you missed that.

Following your posts over the years, it's not difficult to realize how superficial your opinions are and continue to be.

[James]

Following your posts over the years, it's not difficult to realize how superficial your opinions are and continue to be.

Again, all in your head. But you feel free to attack little guy - your adversity poses absolutely no threat to me.