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The Music Room => General Classical Music Discussion => The Polling Station => Topic started by: kyjo on September 13, 2013, 05:38:19 PM

Title: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: kyjo on September 13, 2013, 05:38:19 PM
In no particular order:

1. Shostakovich 5
2. Honegger 3
3. Tchaikovsky 5
4. Rachmaninov 2
5. Bruckner 9
6. Casella 3
7. Miaskovsky 24
8, Mahler 3
9. VW 5
10. Glazunov 8
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Mirror Image on September 13, 2013, 06:28:11 PM
Nice list, Kyle. Several of my choices duplicate your own:

1. Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5
2. RVW: Symphony No. 5
3. Casella: Sinfonia
4. Honegger: Symphony No. 3 'Liturgique'
5. Schnittke: Symphony No. 8
6. Roussel: Symphony No. 3
7. Myaskovsky: Symphony No. 24
8. Elgar: Symphony No. 2
9. Diamond: Symphony No. 4
10. Tubin: Symphony No. 1
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: kyjo on September 13, 2013, 06:35:46 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 13, 2013, 06:28:11 PM
Nice list, Kyle. Several of my choices duplicate your own:

1. Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5
2. RVW: Symphony No. 5
3. Casella: Sinfonia
4. Honegger: Symphony No. 3 'Liturgique'
5. Schnittke: Symphony No. 8
6. Roussel: Symphony No. 3
7. Myaskovsky: Symphony No. 24
8. Elgar: Symphony No. 2
9. Diamond: Symphony No. 4
10. Tubin: Symphony No. 1

Cool, John. 8) Surprised not to see Bruckner 9 on there, though! Dude, you've got to choose an avatar and stick with it for at least a day! :D But, of course, I'm not complaining about Koechlin being up there!
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Mirror Image on September 13, 2013, 06:40:34 PM
Quote from: kyjo on September 13, 2013, 06:35:46 PM
Cool, John. 8) Surprised not to see Bruckner 9 on there, though! Dude, you've got to choose an avatar and stick with it for at least a day! :D But, of course, I'm not complaining about Koechlin being up there!

Yeah, I do love Bruckner but Tubin's Symphony No. 1 edges him out here and I felt I couldn't make any other compromises on my list to include him. As for Koechlin being my current avatar, yeah, he's such an awesome composer with such a unique style.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: kyjo on September 13, 2013, 06:45:22 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 13, 2013, 06:40:34 PM
Yeah, I do love Bruckner but Tubin's Symphony No. 1 edges him out here and I felt I couldn't make any other compromises on my list to include him. As for Koechlin being my current avatar, yeah, he's such an awesome composer with such a unique style.

Yeah, Tubin 1 is an awesome piece, as are pretty much all of his symphonies (especially nos. 1-5). It has its fair share of memorable tunes and has a fresh, invigorating quality to it that makes it a refreshing, satisfying listen.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Mirror Image on September 13, 2013, 06:52:14 PM
Quote from: kyjo on September 13, 2013, 06:45:22 PM
Yeah, Tubin 1 is an awesome piece, as are pretty much all of his symphonies (especially nos. 1-5). It has its fair share of memorable tunes and has a fresh, invigorating quality to it that makes it a refreshing, satisfying listen.

Speaking of Tubin, I only own the Jarvi series on BIS but am curious about Volmer's recordings, have you heard these performances?
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: kyjo on September 13, 2013, 06:58:00 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 13, 2013, 06:52:14 PM
Speaking of Tubin, I only own the Jarvi series on BIS but am curious about Volmer's recordings, have you heard these performances?

Yes, I have also long been curious about Volmer's recordings, but the price tags have turned me away. If only Alba would box up the recordings, then I would probably purchase them! I have noticed Volmer's renditions are generally more expansive than Jarvi's, so chances are his cycle gives further insight into these remarkable works.....
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Mirror Image on September 13, 2013, 07:03:40 PM
Quote from: kyjo on September 13, 2013, 06:58:00 PM
Yes, I have also long been curious about Volmer's recordings, but the price tags have turned me away. If only Alba would box up the recordings, then I would probably purchase them! I have noticed Volmer's renditions are generally more expansive than Jarvi's, so chances are his cycle gives further insight into these remarkable works.....

Yes, the price tag is certainly keep me away at the moment as well. I do wish Alba would box them up! I mean they already released the series so why not go ahead and put out a set? I did buy Volmer's recording of the complete Kratt and it's stupendous! I suppose you haven't heard it? It's a mandatory purchase IMHO.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: kyjo on September 13, 2013, 07:26:23 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 13, 2013, 07:03:40 PM
Yes, the price tag is certainly keep me away at the moment as well. I do wish Alba would box them up! I mean they already released the series so why not go ahead and put out a set? I did buy Volmer's recording of the complete Kratt and it's stupendous! I suppose you haven't heard it? It's a mandatory purchase IMHO.

Oh yes, I've heard Volmer's recording of Kratt. It's quite an exciting work and indeed a must hear for anyone who enjoys the symphonies.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: PaulR on September 14, 2013, 07:55:30 AM
1. Shostakovich 5
2. Shostakovich 8
3. Shostakovich 13 (Fears)
4. Atterberg 5
5. Bruckner 7
6. Beethoven 7 (Technically not slow as it is marked "allegretto", but it takes the slow movements place)
7.  Mahler 4
8. Mozart 40
9. Schumann 3
10.  Schubert 9.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:
-Shostakovich 7, 11.
-Schumann 2
-Beethoven 3, 5
-Schubert 8
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: vandermolen on September 14, 2013, 08:34:58 AM
Not in any order:

Bruckner: Symphony No 9

Vaughan Williams: Symphony No 6 (Epilogue)

Diamond: Symphony 3

Piston: Symphony 2

Miaskovsky: Symphony 27

Tchaikovsky: 'Pathetique' Symphony (finale)

Malcolm Arnold: Symphony 6

Tubin: Symphony No 2 'Legendary'

Honegger: 'Liturgique' Symphony

Nystroem: Sinfonia Del Mare (slow section with Soprano)

I also very much agree with Atterberg Symphony 5.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: vandermolen on September 14, 2013, 08:40:50 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 13, 2013, 06:52:14 PM
Speaking of Tubin, I only own the Jarvi series on BIS but am curious about Volmer's recordings, have you heard these performances?

John, they are strong performances and very well recorded but Jarvi remains my top choice.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: kyjo on September 14, 2013, 08:47:58 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on September 14, 2013, 08:34:58 AM
Not in any order:

Bruckner: Symphony No 9

Vaughan Williams: Symphony No 6 (Epilogue)

Diamond: Symphony 3

Piston: Symphony 2

Miaskovsky: Symphony 27

Tchaikovsky: 'Pathetique' Symphony (finale)

Malcolm Arnold: Symphony 6

Tubin: Symphony No 2 'Legendary'

Honegger: 'Liturgique' Symphony

Nystroem: Sinfonia Del Mare (slow section with Soprano)

I also very much agree with Atterberg Symphony 5.

Nice list, Jeffrey! I really love Piston's slow movements for some reason. They have a restrained, noble emotionalism that is quite moving. I started to tear up (I kid you not) during the slow movement of Symphony no. 2 you mentioned as well as the slow movement of the Divertimento for nine instruments (one of my favorite chamber works). Also, kudos for mentioning the Nystroem. That is a magical moment in the piece indeed. John, are you reading this? :P
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: vandermolen on September 14, 2013, 08:58:25 AM
Quote from: kyjo on September 14, 2013, 08:47:58 AM
Nice list, Jeffrey! I really love Piston's slow movements for some reason. They have a restrained, noble emotionalism that is quite moving. I started to tear up (I kid you not) during the slow movement of Symphony no. 2 you mentioned as well as the slow movement of the Divertimento for nine instruments (one of my favorite chamber works). Also, kudos for mentioning the Nystroem. That is a magical moment in the piece indeed. John, are you reading this? :P

Kyle,

The slow movement of Piston's Symphony 2 had the same effect on me.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: PaulR on September 14, 2013, 01:37:23 PM
I'm going to add: Kallinikov Symphony #1
Title: Re: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Karl Henning on September 14, 2013, 02:23:00 PM
Quote from: PaulR on September 14, 2013, 07:55:30 AM

2. Shostakovich 8

6. Beethoven 7 (Technically not slow as it is marked "allegretto", but it takes the slow movements place)

8. Mozart 40

HONORABLE MENTIONS:
-Shostakovich 7

That Passacaglia in the Opus 65 is fabulous.

I'm glad you mentioned the Beethoven! And the Mozart!

And that Stravinskyan wind chorale in the Leningrad is soul-searing.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: North Star on September 14, 2013, 03:17:27 PM
Schumann 4th
Sibelius 5th
RVW 5th
Tchaikovsky 6th
Beethoven 9th
Bruckner 9th
Schubert 9th
Mahler 10th
Shostakovich 10th (is that an Alexander Nevsky quote I hear around the climax 8) )
Mozart 41st

No room for Shosty's 4th, 8th, 14th (Le Suicidé & O Delvig), 15th, Mozart's 40th, or Beethoven's 3rd, 5th or 7th.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: TheGSMoeller on September 14, 2013, 03:58:05 PM
Bruckner 6
Ives 4th (finale)
Haydn 49, 63, 98
Schubert 9
Górecki 3 (pick a movement  :))
Sibelius 3
Beethoven 6

And only because I enjoy being a follower, plus it's a piece I first saw performed 20 years ago and still love...
Piston 2
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: PaulR on September 14, 2013, 06:09:30 PM
Quote from: k a rl h e nn i ng on September 14, 2013, 02:23:00 PM
That Passacaglia in the Opus 65 is fabulous.

I'm glad you mentioned the Beethoven! And the Mozart!

And that Stravinskyan wind chorale in the Leningrad is soul-searing.

While the Passacaglia in 8 is generally just fantastic, what I really enjoy in that movement is the transition from the 3rd movement into the 4th.  Almost like it is the 'event' is moving to a cataclysm and the rest of the movement is the result. 

The 7th, the opening chorale in the winds and the response in the strings is just wonderful music.  Completely different character to the other three movements.

LvB 7 is probably my favorite of the 9 symphonies.  I love the opening, 'themeless' opening to the movement as well as the fugue near the end. 
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: kyjo on September 14, 2013, 06:14:13 PM
Quote from: PaulR on September 14, 2013, 06:09:30 PM
LvB 7 is probably my favorite of the 9 symphonies.  I love the opening, 'themeless' opening to the movement as well as the fugue near the end.

Same here, Paul. This work is so exciting and full of zest for life, and the subdued melancholy of the second movement makes an excellent contrast to the outer movements. That part where the cellos first come in with the first real "theme" is pure goose bump material. :)
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: PaulR on September 14, 2013, 06:19:06 PM
Quote from: kyjo on September 14, 2013, 06:14:13 PM
Same here, Paul. This work is so exciting and full of zest for life, and the subdued melancholy of the second movement makes an excellent contrast to the outer movements. That part where the cellos first come in with the first real "theme" is pure goose bump material. :)
Over the introduction material!
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: kyjo on September 14, 2013, 06:36:10 PM
Quote from: PaulR on September 14, 2013, 06:19:06 PM
Over the introduction material!

Yes, of course. 8) An effect that makes the movement so magical. :)
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: TheGSMoeller on September 15, 2013, 02:38:59 AM
After posting I kept getting this feeling I had done this list before, and in a smaller format we did, almost one year ago to the date. I found it after some intense searching. Interesting to see some of the differences and similarities, the Schubert, Ives and LvB are still here.

Quote from: TheGSMoeller on September 05, 2012, 02:05:15 PM
Haydn: Symphony No.44: Adagio
Beethoven: Symphony No.6 "Pastorale": Andante molto moto
Schubert: Symphony No.9: Andante
Ives: Symphony No.4: Finale, very slowly
Britten: Sinfonia Da Requiem: Requiem Aeternam

Quote from: TheGSMoeller on September 14, 2013, 03:58:05 PM
Bruckner 6
Ives 4th (finale)
Haydn 49, 63, 98
Schubert 9
Górecki 3 (pick a movement  :))
Sibelius 3
Beethoven 6

And only because I enjoy being a follower, plus it's a piece I first saw performed 20 years ago and still love...
Piston 2
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Sergeant Rock on September 15, 2013, 04:37:37 AM
One per composer (and leaving out composers before Schubert) :

Schubert Symphony #5 Andante con moto

Mahler Symphony #6 Andante moderato

Bruckner Symphony #8 Adagio

Barber Symphony #1 Andante tranquilo

Vaughan Williams A London Symphony Lento (original 1913 version)

Braga Santos Symphony #2 Andante non troppo

Korngold Symphony Adagio: Lento

Atterberg Symphony #1 Adagio

Sibelius Symphony #2 Andante ma rubato

Shostakovich Symphony #6 Largo


Sarge
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Sergeant Rock on September 15, 2013, 05:17:23 AM
Quote from: Annie on September 15, 2013, 05:08:11 AM
That's plain rude and unprofessional  :laugh:
Now you have to post a pre-Schubert list too

That task is so daunting it makes my head hurt! But I'll give it a try.

Sarge
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Mirror Image on September 15, 2013, 06:35:43 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on September 14, 2013, 08:40:50 AM
John, they are strong performances and very well recorded but Jarvi remains my top choice.

Good to hear, Jeffrey. I'd buy the series if the recording of Symphonies 8 & 1 wasn't OOP. :(
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Sergeant Rock on September 15, 2013, 06:48:35 AM
The Classical list:

Beethoven Symphony 3 Marcia funebre: Adagio assai

Beethoven Symphony 4 Adagio

Beethoven Symphony 9 Adagio

Haydn Symphony 101 "Clock" Andante

Haydn Symphony 99 "Cat" Adagio

Haydn Symphony 41 Un poco Andante

Vanhal Symphony in C major (Bryan C9) Cantabile

Vanhal Symphony in D minor (Bryan d2) Cantabile

Mozart Symphony 33 Andante moderato

Mozart Symphony 35 "Haffner" Andante

Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: kyjo on September 15, 2013, 06:56:41 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on September 15, 2013, 04:37:37 AM
One per composer (and leaving out composers before Schubert) :

Schubert Symphony #5 Andante con moto

Mahler Symphony #6 Andante moderato

Bruckner Symphony #8 Adagio

Barber Symphony #1 Andante tranquilo

Vaughan Williams A London Symphony Lento (original 1913 version)

Braga Santos Symphony #2 Andante non troppo

Korngold Symphony Adagio: Lento

Atterberg Symphony #1 Adagio

Sibelius Symphony #2 Andante ma rubato

Shostakovich Symphony #6 Largo


Sarge

Kudos for including the Braga Santos, Korngold and Atterberg works in your list, Sarge. 8)
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Sergeant Rock on September 15, 2013, 06:57:11 AM
Quote from: Annie on September 15, 2013, 06:52:37 AM
Another list for 1824-1886 and we are almost done here  ;D

:D ;D :D  ...but it's Sunday! Why are you making me work so hard? I fear we're offending God  :D


Sarge
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Sergeant Rock on September 15, 2013, 06:58:01 AM
Quote from: kyjo on September 15, 2013, 06:56:41 AM
Kudos for including the Braga Santos, Korngold and Atterberg works in your list, Sarge. 8)

No kudos for the Barber! That's about the most gorgeous piece of music ever written  ;)

Sarge
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: kyjo on September 15, 2013, 07:01:17 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on September 15, 2013, 06:58:01 AM
No kudos for the Barber! That's about the most gorgeous piece of music ever written  ;)

Sarge

Kudos for all your choices, then. ;)
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: springrite on September 15, 2013, 07:07:13 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on September 15, 2013, 06:57:11 AM
:D ;D :D  ...but it's Sunday! Why are you making me work so hard? I fear we're offending God  :D


Sarge
It is Sunday, and she's just a messenger: God wants to hear more slow music!
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Sergeant Rock on September 15, 2013, 07:10:49 AM
Quote from: Annie on September 15, 2013, 07:09:23 AM
Rumour has it that He is quite understanding and loves hardworkers

You must be a Calvinist  :D

Sarge
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: springrite on September 15, 2013, 07:13:45 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on September 15, 2013, 07:10:49 AM
You must be a Calvinist  :D

Sarge

Calvinist ? or maybe Hobbist?  Calvin Hobbist?



Or should that be Hobbesist?
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Sergeant Rock on September 15, 2013, 07:18:03 AM
Quote from: springrite on September 15, 2013, 07:13:45 AM
Calvinist ? or maybe Hobbist?  Calvin Hobbist?

Saddest day of my life when that strip ended... Okay, maybe I'd exaggerating slightly, but not by much.

Sarge
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: North Star on September 15, 2013, 07:29:17 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on September 15, 2013, 07:18:03 AM
Saddest day of my life when that strip ended... Okay, maybe I'd exaggerating slightly, but not by much.

Sarge
Thank goodness I have the hardcover complete C&H :)
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Sergeant Rock on September 15, 2013, 07:47:04 AM
Quote from: North Star on September 15, 2013, 07:29:17 AM
Thank goodness I have the hardcover complete C&H :)

I want it badly...but at my age, I'm not sure I could lift it  :D

Sarge
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Sergeant Rock on September 15, 2013, 07:50:56 AM
Quote from: Annie on September 15, 2013, 06:52:37 AM
Another list for 1824-1886 and we are almost done here  ;D

Romantic list (excluding Bruckner)

Schumann Symphony 2 Adagio espressivo

Brahms Symphony 4 Andante moderato

Dvorak Symphony 7 Poco adagio

Dvorak Symphony 9 Largo

Mendelssohn Symphony 3 Adagio

Mendelssohn Symphony 4 Andante con moto

Rott Symphony Sehr langsam

Spohr Symphony 8 Poco adagio

Stanford Symphony 3 "Irish" Andante con moto

Lalo Symphony Adagio
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Sergeant Rock on September 15, 2013, 08:26:37 AM
Quote from: Annie on September 15, 2013, 07:57:18 AM
Lovely. Thanks. Now, lastly, 10 out of 30...without provoking me  :)

Refer to my original list. No intentional provocation intended  :D ;)

Sarge
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Sergeant Rock on September 18, 2013, 06:38:30 AM
Quote from: Annie on September 15, 2013, 10:00:48 AM
I like Bernstein/both, Klemperer, Sawallisch(fav), Walter, Zinman here. Tell me which one(out of my over 50+) should I listen to for the "Adagio" tonight

Fey  8)

Okay, I know you don't have his recording  ;D  Try Kleiber/Bayerisches Staatsorchester (Orfeo).

Sarge
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: madaboutmahler on September 19, 2013, 10:29:35 AM
Again, have to count Mahler as one vote!! But especially 5, 6, 7 and both 9. :) Oh, and 10 of course!  0:)

My other 9, one per composer:
Elgar 2
Shostakovich 5
Bruckner 7
Rachmaninov 2
Schumann 4
Sibelius 3
Nielsen 1
Skold 2
Szymanowski 3

And the second love song from Messiaen Turangulina.... so hypnotic! :D
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Brahmsian on September 19, 2013, 12:53:16 PM
No particular order, except Bruckner's 7th being numero uno for me!  :)

Mahler's 6th
Brahms 3rd (3rd mvt)
Beethoven's 3rd
Shostakovich 8th - 4th mvt
Tchaikovsky's 5th
Dvorak's 8th
Berlioz - Symphonie Fantastique - Mvt. 3
Schubert's 4th
Vaughan Williams' 5th
Schumann's 2nd
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: North Star on September 19, 2013, 01:13:20 PM
Quote from: ChamberNut on September 19, 2013, 12:53:16 PM
No particular order, except Bruckner's 7th being numero uno for me!  :)

Mahler's 6th
Brahms 3rd (3rd mvt)
Beethoven's 3rd
Shostakovich 8th - 4th mvt
Tchaikovsky's 5th
Dvorak's 8th
Berlioz - Symphonie Fantastique - Mvt. 3
Schubert's 4th
Vaughan Williams' 5th
Schumann's 2nd
So you have 11 there  >:(   ;D
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Brahmsian on September 19, 2013, 01:42:17 PM
Quote from: North Star on September 19, 2013, 01:13:20 PM
So you have 11 there  >:(   ;D

Yes, I always cheat in these things.  It is well known.  ;D
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Brian on September 20, 2013, 06:25:35 AM
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on September 15, 2013, 07:47:04 AM
I want it badly...but at my age, I'm not sure I could lift it  :D

Sarge
You know there's a paperback version (http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Calvin-Hobbes-Bill-Watterson/dp/1449433251/), right?

Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Sergeant Rock on September 20, 2013, 06:45:29 AM
Quote from: Brian on September 20, 2013, 06:25:35 AM
You know there's a paperback version (http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Calvin-Hobbes-Bill-Watterson/dp/1449433251/), right?


The thing still weighs 14 pounds! (Well, maybe I could handle that  ;) )

Sarge
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Karl Henning on September 20, 2013, 07:01:12 AM
Keep a goat to do the light hauling.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Brian on September 20, 2013, 07:18:36 AM
Beethoven - 7th
Bruckner - 7th
Dvorak - 3rd, 7th
Brahms - 4th
Elgar - 2nd
Shostakovich - 6th
Atterberg - 3rd (finale), 8th
Vaughan Williams - 5th

I must be the only vote for Dvorak's Third, but it would appeal to anybody who likes the funeral march in Elgar's Second Symphony. There's a similar feverish nightmare-type quality to it.

One thing I discovered during this exercise was that many/most of my favorite slow movements are NOT in symphonies! An awful lot are in concertos, some are in chorchestral works, a few are in tone poems, many are in chamber music...
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Brian on September 20, 2013, 07:18:50 AM
Quote from: karlhenning on September 20, 2013, 07:01:12 AM
Keep a goat to do the light hauling.
They'll cut the grass, too!
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Sergeant Rock on September 20, 2013, 10:47:04 AM
Quote from: Brian on September 20, 2013, 07:18:50 AM
They'll cut the grass, too!

I gave up on the lawn; I let the ivy take over. It took almost ten years but my entire "Grundstück" is now ivy, and it takes care of itself; no work, no manicuring necessary  8)
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: kyjo on September 20, 2013, 10:54:32 AM
Quote from: Brian on September 20, 2013, 07:18:36 AM
Beethoven - 7th
Bruckner - 7th
Dvorak - 3rd, 7th
Brahms - 4th
Elgar - 2nd
Shostakovich - 6th
Atterberg - 3rd (finale), 8th
Vaughan Williams - 5th

I must be the only vote for Dvorak's Third, but it would appeal to anybody who likes the funeral march in Elgar's Second Symphony. There's a similar feverish nightmare-type quality to it.

One thing I discovered during this exercise was that many/most of my favorite slow movements are NOT in symphonies! An awful lot are in concertos, some are in chorchestral works, a few are in tone poems, many are in chamber music...

Table-pounding list, Brian (the Atterberg choices I especially liked, needless to say)! :D Re the Dvorak Third, I think it is an underrated work, and, like you say, the middle movement is a masterpiece in itself. Although it would not have made it into my top ten, I hold it in high regard.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: SymphonicAddict on April 30, 2018, 03:55:36 PM
In alphabetical order:

Atterberg - Symphony 8
Bax - Symphony 1
Bruckner - Symphony 7
Glière - Symphony 3
Mahler - Symphony 6
Prokofiev - Symphony 5
Raid - Symphony 1 (3rd movement)
Respighi - Sinfonia Drammatica
Tchaikovsky - Symphony 5
Vaughan Williams - Symphony 2
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: vandermolen on May 17, 2018, 10:08:43 PM
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on April 30, 2018, 03:55:36 PM
In alphabetical order:

Atterberg - Symphony 8
Bax - Symphony 1
Bruckner - Symphony 7
Glière - Symphony 3
Mahler - Symphony 6
Prokofiev - Symphony 5
Raid - Symphony 1 (3rd movement)
Respighi - Sinfonia Drammatica
Tchaikovsky - Symphony 5
Vaughan Williams - Symphony 2
Great list Cesar. I share many of these selections although I don't know the Respighi. That Atterberg movement is my favourite in all his symphonies and a big thumbs-up to Kaljo Raid's magnificent 1st Symphony, the Gliere, Bax, Prokofiev (my favourite of his symphonic movements) and VW of course!
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Mirror Image on May 19, 2018, 06:42:45 AM
Quote from: Mirror Image on September 13, 2013, 06:28:11 PM
Nice list, Kyle. Several of my choices duplicate your own:

1. Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5
2. RVW: Symphony No. 5
3. Casella: Sinfonia
4. Honegger: Symphony No. 3 'Liturgique'
5. Schnittke: Symphony No. 8
6. Roussel: Symphony No. 3
7. Myaskovsky: Symphony No. 24
8. Elgar: Symphony No. 2
9. Diamond: Symphony No. 4
10. Tubin: Symphony No. 1

Since this has been five years ago, I'll update it (some of the choices may/may not remain)...

(In no particular order)

Vaughan Williams: A Pastoral Symphony (Symphony No. 3) (last movement)
Elgar: Symphony No. 2
Barber: Symphony No. 2
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 7, "Leningrad"
Weinberg: Symphony No. 5
Nielsen: Symphony No. 5 (the second part of the first movement, Adagio non troppo)
Martinů: Symphony No. 2
Sibelius: Symphony No. 4
Szymanowski: Symphonie Concertante (Symphony No. 4)
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: vandermolen on June 16, 2018, 12:33:03 AM
New list from me too although I share many of the choices already posted by Cesar (SA), Kyle (Kyjo) and John (MI):

Atterberg: Symphony 8
Moeran: Symphony
Prokofiev: Symphony 5
Glazunov: Symphony 8
Rootham: Symphony 2 (finale)
Vaughan Williams: Symphony 6 (last movement)
Tubin: Symphony 5
Braga Santos: Symphony 4
Bruckner: Symphony 9
Tchaikovsky: Pathetique Symphony (finale)
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: kyjo on June 16, 2018, 06:15:43 PM
Great list, Jeffrey. Mine would currently look something like:

Arnold: Symphony no. 5
Atterberg: Symphony no. 5 (or any of them, really)
Braga Santos: Symphony no. 2 (tough choice between the first four)
Bruckner: Symphony no. 8
Dvořák: Symphony no. 7
Elgar: Symphony no. 2
Hanson: Symphony no. 3
Mahler: Symphony no. 9 (finale)
Piston: Symphony no. 2
Rachmaninoff: Symphony no. 2


Interestingly, three of my favorite symphonists - Shostakovich, Sibelius, and VW - somehow didn't make it onto my list... :o
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: vandermolen on June 17, 2018, 01:12:14 AM
Quote from: kyjo on June 16, 2018, 06:15:43 PM
Great list, Jeffrey. Mine would currently look something like:

Arnold: Symphony no. 5
Atterberg: Symphony no. 5 (or any of them, really)
Braga Santos: Symphony no. 2 (tough choice between the first four)
Bruckner: Symphony no. 8
Dvořák: Symphony no. 7
Elgar: Symphony no. 2
Hanson: Symphony no. 3
Mahler: Symphony no. 9 (finale)
Piston: Symphony no. 2
Rachmaninoff: Symphony no. 2


Interestingly, three of my favorite symphonists - Shostakovich, Sibelius, and VW - somehow didn't make it onto my list... :o

Great list too Kyle. Yes, ten is not enough. I should have included Piston's Second Symphony as well as that movement is very special, especially in MTT's recording.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Total Rafa on April 30, 2020, 08:16:30 AM
I'd probably go with these 10 for now:

Beethoven 5
Bruckner 7, 8
Mahler 9 (adagio)
Martinů 4
Shostakovich 5, 15 (2nd mvmt)
Rautavaara 7
Sibelius 3
Tchaikovsky 5

Bonus pick:

Pärt - Symphony No. 4 (it is all slow, but I'm thinking of either the Con sublimità or Affannoso movements in particular).
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Maestro267 on May 25, 2020, 10:59:48 AM
I may add to this later once I've thought of it, but I'm absolutely windmill slamming my favourite symphonic slow movement of all:

Korngold Symphony in F sharp
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Jo498 on May 25, 2020, 11:34:59 AM
Bruckner 9
Beethoven 9
Mahler 9 finale (I don't count the first movement as a real slow movement)
Bruckner 7
Brucker 8
Bruckner 6
Mahler 6
Haydn 88
Beethoven 3
Schumann 2
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: arpeggio on May 25, 2020, 08:02:35 PM
I can not come up with just ten but I like the majority that have been mentioned so far.

There are two band works I would like to mention.

Vittorio Giannini Third Symphony:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_H5GrIUg48 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_H5GrIUg48)

Morton Gould West Point Symphony.  Although the symphony has a non traditional two movement format, there are some nice adagio sections in the first movement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFdyvCx2aN4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFdyvCx2aN4)
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: amw on May 26, 2020, 01:13:57 AM
Went through a list of symphonies I have to refresh my memory, and mostly found myself with questions over what constitutes a "slow" movement, like "Does it have to be in the interior of the piece?" and "How much of the music has to be slow?" and "Does it simply have to be the slowest movement in that particular piece?" etc. Obviously these questions are not answerable.

Bruckner - Symphony No. 8: Adagio (Feierlich langsam, doch nicht schleppend)
Dvořák - Symphony No. 3: Adagio molto, tempo di marcia
Dvořák - Symphony No. 4: Andante sostenuto e molto cantabile
Dvořák - Symphony No. 9: Largo
Martinů - Symphony No. 2: Andante moderato
Martinů - Symphony No. 6: Lento (the finale—it briefly goes up to an Allegro but only for about a minute)
Franck - Symphony: Allegretto (does this count??)
Schubert - Symphony D944: Andante con moto
Berlioz - Roméo et Juliette: Scène d'amour
Sibelius - Symphony No. 1: Andante, ma non troppo lento
Sibelius - Symphony No. 4: Tempo molto moderato, quasi adagio (edge case)
Brahms - Symphony No. 4: Andante moderato
Haydn - Symphony No. 103: Andante più tosto allegretto
Haydn - Symphony No. 49: Adagio
Haydn - Symphony No. 47: Un poco adagio, cantabile
Beethoven - Symphony No. 2: Larghetto
Myaskovsky - Symphony No. 11: Andante - Adagio, ma non tanto
Myaskovsky - Symphony No. 27: Adagio
Tchaikovsky - Symphony No. 1: Land of desolation, land of mists: Adagio cantabile ma non tanto
Vaughan Williams - Symphony No. 5: Romanza: Lento
Kalinnikov - Symphony No. 1: Andante commodamente
Mozart - Symphony No. 38: Andante

These are not presented in order of preference. If I did that the Vaughan Williams, Franck, Haydn 49 and one of the Dvořáks would be at the head of the list.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Biffo on May 26, 2020, 01:29:34 AM
Beethoven 3
Beethoven 9
Berlioz - Roméo et Juliette: Scène d'amour
Bruckner 7
Bruckner 9
Mahler 9 (1st mvt)
Mahler 3 Finale
Vaughan Williams No 3 Pastoral - 2nd mvt
Vaughan Williams No 5 Romanza
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No 6 - Finale

Lots of others.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Jo498 on May 26, 2020, 03:58:32 AM
Quote from: amw on May 26, 2020, 01:13:57 AM
Went through a list of symphonies I have to refresh my memory, and mostly found myself with questions over what constitutes a "slow" movement, like "Does it have to be in the interior of the piece?" and "How much of the music has to be slow?" and "Does it simply have to be the slowest movement in that particular piece?" etc. Obviously these questions are not answerable.
Why not?
I'd say no to the first answer because there are well known pieces with a first (e.g. Haydn 22 or 49) or last (e.g. Tchaikovsky 6th) slow movement (and no comparably slow interior one). And I'd also say no the third because there are pieces with more than one slow(ish) movement and I don't mean a slowish "first movement" (rather as in Schubert's octet two slow interior ones). There are of course cases one can argue about, like the first of Mahler's 9th. (And there are also pieces without a slow movement. The allegretto in Beethoven's 8th stands in for a slow movement but unlike in his 7th or several of Haydn's (like 103) I'd say that it is too unlike slow movements in character to count as slow.)
As for the second, I think it should be mostly slowish but obviously something like a fast contrasting section or a faster variation in a variation movement should not disqualify.

I don't know all the pieces you mention but it seems that they should all qualify as slow.

Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Florestan on May 26, 2020, 04:48:53 AM
Otomh:

Mozart 1 (no typo!)
Beethoven 6, 7, 8, 9
Schubert 8, 9
Tchaikovsky 5, 6
Mahler 1

Ten already so I'd better stop., but not before mentioning Berlioz SF and Mahler 6 (Adagietto). :)
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: kyjo on May 26, 2020, 12:38:50 PM
Today's list:

Alfven 3
Andreae in C
Arnold 5
Atterberg 4
Braga Santos 2
Bruckner 9
Dvorak 7
Lloyd 6
Prokofiev 5
Vaughan Williams 2

As always, impossible to choose just 10!
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Mirror Image on May 26, 2020, 01:44:05 PM
Quote from: kyjo on May 26, 2020, 12:38:50 PM
Today's list:

Alfven 3
Andreae in C
Arnold 5
Atterberg 4
Braga Santos 2
Bruckner 9
Dvorak 7
Lloyd 6
Prokofiev 5
Vaughan Williams 2

As always, impossible to choose just 10!

I heartily endorse these, although I don't know the Andreae.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Symphonic Addict on July 15, 2020, 03:45:11 PM
Time for an update:

Bloch - in C sharp minor
Bruckner - 5 (or the 7th)
Korngold - in F sharp
Madetoja - 2
L. Nielsen - 3
Simonsen - 1
Suk - 1
Villa-Lobos - 6
Walton - 1
Weingartner - 3
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: André on July 15, 2020, 04:15:31 PM

Limiting the choice to one per composer:

Beethoven 3
Schumann 3
Brahms 4
Bruckner 8
Mahler 9 (the finale)
Franck
Shostakovich 5
Elgar 2
Arnold 5
Vaughan Williams 1 (on the Beach at Night, Alone)
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Mirror Image on July 15, 2020, 05:01:57 PM
Today's list:

(In no particular order)

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 9 - IV. Largo
Weinberg: Symphony No. 12, 'In Memoriam D. Shostakovich' - III. Adagio - Allegro
Schnittke: Symphony No. 8 - III. Lento
Glazunov: Symphony No. 7 - II. Andante
Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 2 - III. Adagio
Myaskovsky: Symphony No. 24 - II. Molto sostenuto
Martinů: Symphony No. 2 - II. Andante moderato
Malipiero: Sinfonia No. 6, 'Degli archi' - II. Piùttosto lento
Casella: Sinfonia (Symphony No. 3) - II. Andante Molto Moderato Quasi Adagio
Diamond: Symphony No. 3 - IV. Adagio assai
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Mirror Image on July 15, 2020, 05:35:06 PM
Quote from: Old San Antone on July 15, 2020, 05:26:56 PM
Excellent choices!  I listened to most of them and am humbled by your obvious knowledge of the orchestral canon to pick these movements, some of which are not obvious choices at all.

Well done!   8)

Thanks a lot, San Antone. I would hardly say I know anything about classical music other than what I like. My knowledge doesn't run as deep as your own or like so many others here. I'm still a novice trying to find my way.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: kyjo on July 15, 2020, 06:37:44 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on July 15, 2020, 03:45:11 PM
Time for an update:

Bloch - in C sharp minor
Bruckner - 5 (or the 7th)
Korngold - in F sharp
Madetoja - 2
L. Nielsen - 3
Simonsen - 1
Suk - 1
Villa-Lobos - 6
Walton - 1
Weingartner - 3

Nice to see a vote for the gorgeous slow movement of Suk 1 with its noble main theme worthy of Dvorak. The opening of that movement, with the clarinet playing the main theme over hushed low strings, never fails to give me goosebumps in its timeless simplicity. Bruckner 5 is an interesting choice - I don't recall being particularly struck by the slow movement (as I surely am in by those in his final three symphonies). Time for a revisit!
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Symphonic Addict on July 15, 2020, 07:38:25 PM
Quote from: kyjo on July 15, 2020, 06:37:44 PM
Nice to see a vote for the gorgeous slow movement of Suk 1 with its noble main theme worthy of Dvorak. The opening of that movement, with the clarinet playing the main theme over hushed low strings, never fails to give me goosebumps in its timeless simplicity. Bruckner 5 is an interesting choice - I don't recall being particularly struck by the slow movement (as I surely am in by those in his final three symphonies). Time for a revisit!

Indeed, Kyle. I don't remember that passage you mention but certainly is a so lovely movement. In fact, the whole work is such an uplifting utterance. The Bruckner really moved me the last time I listened to it, hence I included on this occasion.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Symphonic Addict on July 15, 2020, 07:41:12 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on July 15, 2020, 05:01:57 PM
Today's list:

(In no particular order)

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 9 - IV. Largo
Weinberg: Symphony No. 12, 'In Memoriam D. Shostakovich' - III. Adagio - Allegro
Schnittke: Symphony No. 8 - III. Lento
Glazunov: Symphony No. 7 - II. Andante
Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 2 - III. Adagio
Myaskovsky: Symphony No. 24 - II. Molto sostenuto
Martinů: Symphony No. 2 - II. Andante moderato
Malipiero: Sinfonia No. 6, 'Degli archi' - II. Piùttosto lento
Casella: Sinfonia (Symphony No. 3) - II. Andante Molto Moderato Quasi Adagio
Diamond: Symphony No. 3 - IV. Adagio assai

An attractive list, John. The Weinberg and the Diamond cause me a bit of intrigue.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Mirror Image on July 15, 2020, 08:04:41 PM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on July 15, 2020, 07:41:12 PM
An attractive list, John. The Weinberg and the Diamond cause me a bit of intrigue.

Thanks, Cesar. My list will probably be different tomorrow. :)
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: vandermolen on July 16, 2020, 04:08:14 AM
New list:
Popov: Symphony No.2 'Motherland'
Khachaturian: Symphony No.2 'The Bell'
Miaskovsky: Symphony No.27
Vaughan Williams: Symphony No.8
Diamond: Symphony No.3
Glazunov: Symphony No.8
Shostakovich: Symphony No.8
Atterberg: Symphony No.8
Rubbra: Symphony No.7 (finale)
Tubin: Symphony No.5
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Mirror Image on July 16, 2020, 06:19:25 AM
Quote from: vandermolen on July 16, 2020, 04:08:14 AM
New list:
Popov: Symphony No.2 'Motherland'
Khachaturian: Symphony No.2 'The Bell'
Miaskovsky: Symphony No.27
Vaughan Williams: Symphony No.8
Diamond: Symphony No.3
Glazunov: Symphony No.8
Shostakovich: Symphony No.8
Atterberg: Symphony No.8
Rubbra: Symphony No.7 (finale)
Tubin: Symphony No.5

Very nice, Jeffrey. I especially like your choice of the Popov, which, IMHO, is quite an underrated Soviet Era symphony.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Christo on July 16, 2020, 10:12:51 AM
Mostly usual suspects, out of the top of my head:

Andreae, Symphony in C
Arnold, Symphony No. 5
Barber, Symphony No. 2 ('Night flight')
Braga Santos, Symphony No. 3
Holmboe, Symphony No. 8
Madetoja, Symphony No. 2
Nielsen, Symphony No. 3
Tubin, Symphony No. 4 'Lirica'
Mahler, Symphony No. 6
Shostakovich, Symphony No. 8
Vaughan Williams, Symphony No. 9
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: vandermolen on July 17, 2020, 12:33:38 PM
Quote from: Mirror Image on July 16, 2020, 06:19:25 AM
Very nice, Jeffrey. I especially like your choice of the Popov, which, IMHO, is quite an underrated Soviet Era symphony.
Yes, it's a fabulous work.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Brian on August 10, 2020, 07:09:09 AM
Updating my old list with a new one that technically doesn't violate the spirit of the thread title because I'm putting 'em in order!

I feel bad leaving out Papa Haydn, but classical-era slow movements don't really hit for me as strongly as romantic and post-romantic ones do. Also, I can't always remember which Haydn slow movement is which except for the really obvious ones (the clock, the flatulence, the lament). I am the first vote in this thread for the Rouse and Borodin.

21. Kalinnikov 1
20. Rouse 4 ("Doloroso")
19. Berlioz R&J
18. Dvorak 3
17. Tchaikovsky 1
16. Vaughan Williams 3 ("Lento moderato")
15. Elgar 2
14. Rachmaninov 2
13. Martinu 4
12. Sibelius 4 (third movement)
11. Schubert 8 (D. 944)
10. Tchaikovsky 5
9. Mahler 3
8. Beethoven 3
7. Shostakovich 5
6. Borodin 2
5. Bruckner 7 ("Adagio"; no percussion)
4. Bruckner 8
3. Mahler 4
2. Beethoven 7
1. Vaughan Williams 5 ("Romanza")
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: André on August 10, 2020, 07:21:27 AM
Re: Mahler 3. Which movement do you consider is the slow one, Brian ? I have a feeling you think of the last, yes ? To me the oasis of repose in the work is the 'O Mensch'  (4th movement), not the Adagio finale. Conversely, in the 9th I think the slow movement is the last, as there is no slow middle movement. Some might think there is no slow movement per se in that work, though.  :)
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Brian on August 10, 2020, 07:23:21 AM
Quote from: André on August 10, 2020, 07:21:27 AM
Re: Mahler 3. Which movement do you consider is the slow one, Brian ? I have a feeling you think of the last, yes ? To me the oasis of repose in the work is the 'O Mensch'  (4th movement), not the Adagio finale. Conversely, in the 9th I think the slow movement is the last, as there is no slow middle movement. Some might think there is no slow movement per se in that work, though.  :)
whoops, I should have said, yes - the last. :)
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Symphonic Addict on January 27, 2023, 06:57:04 PM
Time for an update:

Korngold: Symphony in F sharp
Bruckner: Symphony No. 7
Mahler: Symphony No. 6
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5
Elgar: Symphony No. 2
Schmidt: Symphony No. 4
Myaskovsky: Symphony No. 27
Glazunov: Symphony No. 2 (or Symphony No. 8 )
Sibelius: Symphony No. 1

Moeran: Symphony in G minor
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: vandermolen on January 30, 2023, 04:34:02 AM
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on January 27, 2023, 06:57:04 PMTime for an update:

Korngold: Symphony in F sharp
Bruckner: Symphony No. 7
Mahler: Symphony No. 6
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5
Elgar: Symphony No. 2
Schmidt: Symphony No. 4
Myaskovsky: Symphony No. 27
Glazunov: Symphony No. 2 (or Symphony No. 8 )
Sibelius: Symphony No. 1

Moeran: Symphony in G minor
Nice list Cesar - I also find the Moeran very moving.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: vandermolen on January 30, 2023, 04:46:13 AM
OK, let's have another go:

Tubin: Symphony No.5
Prokofiev: Symphony No.5
Atterberg: Symphony No.8
Walton: Symphony No.2
Khachaturian: Symphony No.2
Miaskovsky: Symphony No.17
Gordon Jacob: Symphony No.1 (in memory of his brother killed in the First World War)
Samuel Barber: Symphony No.2 'Night Flight'
Vaughan Williams: Symphony No.8
Rootham: Symphony No.1

I've tried to avoid repeating my earlier choices.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Maestro267 on February 01, 2023, 08:46:34 AM
In no order other than the one I think of them:


Korngold - Symphony in F sharp (III)
Bruckner - Symphony No. 8 (III)
Tchaikovsky - Symphony No. 1 (II)
Shostakovich - Symphony No. 11 (III)
Mahler - Symphony No. 9 (IV)
Elgar - Symphony No. 2 (II)
Myaskovsky - Symphony No. 27 (II)
Atterberg - Symphony No. 2 (II)
Rachmaninov - Symphony No. 2 (III)
Villa-Lobos - Symphony No. 3 (III)
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: kyjo on February 19, 2023, 12:50:48 PM
Quote from: kyjo on May 26, 2020, 12:38:50 PMToday's list:

Alfven 3
Andreae in C
Arnold 5
Atterberg 4
Braga Santos 2
Bruckner 9
Dvorak 7
Lloyd 6
Prokofiev 5
Vaughan Williams 2

As always, impossible to choose just 10!

I'm still quite content with this list, although I think I'll replace Atterberg 4 with 2 and Lloyd 6 with 5 (IV.Lamento). Also, I'll throw in Schmidt 4 instead of Bruckner 9 and Rachmaninoff 2 instead of Arnold 5. I don't feel too bad for leaving the Korngold Symphony off since multiple other members have included it. :)
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: lunar22 on June 02, 2023, 12:08:21 AM
ten is far too few but below are some of my favourites: 

Bruckner 6
Bruckner 9
Mahler 10
Brincken 4
Rachmaninov 2
Schmidt 2 (2nd movemement -- OK not slow throughout but could be replaced with Schmidt 4 if necessary)
Shosty 15
Alfven 2
Arnold 2
Dvorak 6




Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: kyjo on June 02, 2023, 11:14:00 AM
Quote from: lunar22 on June 02, 2023, 12:08:21 AMten is far too few but below are some of my favourites: 

Bruckner 6
Bruckner 9
Mahler 10
Brincken 4
Rachmaninov 2
Schmidt 2 (2nd movemement -- OK not slow throughout but could be replaced with Schmidt 4 if necessary)
Shosty 15
Alfven 2
Arnold 2
Dvorak 6


Inspired choices! I recall the deeply-felt slow movement of the Brincken definitely being the highlight of that work. I'd replace Alfven 2 with 3 and Dvorak 6 with 7 or 8. :)
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: lunar22 on June 04, 2023, 01:42:53 AM
well, I already wrote something on Alfven 3 and I know exactly what you mean! It's virtually a toss up between Dvorak 6 and 7 but as 7 is generally recognised as his masterpiece, I thought I'd just be awkward.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: vandermolen on June 13, 2023, 12:31:23 PM
Let's have another go

Tovey: Symphony
Prokofiev: Symphony 5
Bruckner: Symphony No.9
Mahler: Symphony No.9
NYM: Symphony No.27
Tubin: Symphony No.5
Roy Harris: Symphony No.6 'Gettysburg'
Piston: Symphony No.2
VW: Symphony No.6 (Finale)
Popov: Symphony No.2 'Motherland'
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: kyjo on June 19, 2023, 08:25:50 PM
Quote from: vandermolen on June 13, 2023, 12:31:23 PMLet's have another go

Tovey: Symphony
Prokofiev: Symphony 5
Bruckner: Symphony No.9
Mahler: Symphony No.9
NYM: Symphony No.27
Tubin: Symphony No.5
Roy Harris: Symphony No.6 'Gettysburg'
Piston: Symphony No.2
VW: Symphony No.6 (Finale)
Popov: Symphony No.2 'Motherland'

Nice list, Jeffrey, especially the Prokofiev and Piston selections. Tovey's symphony really needs a more convincing recording than the one it receieves on Toccata Classics, IMHO.
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: Keemun on June 26, 2023, 07:07:04 PM
Here's my list, in alphabetical order:

Beethoven 3
Bruckner 7
Bruckner 8
Bruckner 9
Mahler 5
Rachmaninov 2
Saint Saens 3
Schmidt 4
Tchaikovsky 6
Vaughan Williams 5
Title: Re: Top 10 Symphony Slow Movements
Post by: foxandpeng on June 27, 2023, 02:55:45 PM
I can't do this one. You guys are too clever for me...