Mine are:
Walton: 1
Vaughan Williams: 5
Tubin: 2
Suk: 2 (Asrael)
Sibelius: 7
Shostakovich: 7, 11
Schmidt; 2
Raid: 1
Nielsen: 4, 5
Mahler: 6
Lyatoshinsky: 3
Langgaard: 1, 6
Khachaturian: 2
Holmboe: 8
Gliere: 3
Casella: 2
Braga Santos: 4
Brian: 1
Bloch: in C sharp
Bax: 5
Atterberg: 2
Alwyn: 3
Honorable mentions
Arnold: 5
Hanson: 3
Kinsella: 11
Miaskovsky: 22
Prokofiev: 5
Rosenberg: 2
Villa-Lobos: 4
What about you?
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on February 07, 2020, 04:23:21 PM
The ones you consider epic in any sense, or simply your favorites. Your definitive list. My order would be alphabetically, I think it's a fairer fairer sort, but inverted (from Z to A) (only for me)
"Epic" particularly hard to define, but taking it into account as the cutting edge, my shortlist might read like:
Wordsworth 2
Walton 1
Vermeulen 2
Vasks 3
Vaughan Williams 6 & 9
Tubin 6
Tippett 2
Simpson 9
Shostakovich 8
Raid 1
Orthel 3
Nielsen 5
Mahler 6
Kinsella 7
Holmboe 8
Guarnieri 3
Goossens 1
Brian 1
Bliss ´A Colour´
Ben-Haim 2
Bate 3
Arnold 5
Arnell 3
Alwyn 4
Andriessen 4
Arthur Benjamin: 1
G. Lloyd: 3, 7
S. Prokofiev: 3,4,5,6,7
D. Bourgeois: No. 1, 2,3, 6, especially 9, 33, and 42
R.V.W: 1,2
Lyatoshinsky: 3
Langgaard: 1, 6
Shostakovich: 4,5,7,8,10,11,12,13
Mahler: 1-10
Tchaikovsky: 4-6
I. Norholm: 2
M. Arnold: 4, 9
E. Bloch: Symphony in C# minor
B. Herrmann: Symphony
Havergal Brian: 1, 4
R. Soderling: 6, 9
Those are my 50 epic 25 symphonies.
I'm struggling to define "epic", but I'm setting a cutoff point of the works have to be 40 minutes or longer.
Mahler: 2, 3, 6, 8
Shostakovich: 4, 7, 11
Brian: 1-4
Schnittke: 1, 3
Lloyd: 7, 11
Korngold: F#
Simpson: 4, 9
MacMillan: 1 ("Vigil")
Elgar: 1-3
Vaughan Williams: 1, 2
Langgaard: 1
Quote from: relm1 on February 08, 2020, 05:54:18 AM
Arthur Benjamin: 1
Lyatoshinsky: 3
Langgaard: 1, 6
Tchaikovsky: 4-6
M. Arnold: 4, 9
E. Bloch: Symphony in C# minor
B. Herrmann: Symphony
Havergal Brian: 1, 4
R. Soderling *]: 6, 9
Those are my 50 15 [other] epic 25 symphonies.
Fully seconded! #fixedtoo ;-)
*] errrrr, could it be that he's better known as Ragnar Søderlind? ???
Quote from: Maestro267 on February 08, 2020, 10:29:37 AM
I'm struggling to define "epic", but I'm setting a cutoff point of the works have to be 40 minutes or longer.
Cannot see why 'epic' should exclude shorter pieces: Samuel Barber's
Second Essay for Orchestra is 'epic' in every sensible sense of the word IMHO, yet lasting no longer than about 11 minutes.
Quote from: Christo on February 08, 2020, 11:27:01 AM
Fully seconded! #fixedtoo ;-)
*] errrrr, could it be that he's better known as Ragnar Søderlind? ???
Yes, that is him but I don't know how to get that o.
Quote from: Christo on February 08, 2020, 11:27:01 AM
Cannot see why 'epic' should exclude shorter pieces: Samuel Barber's Second Essay for Orchestra is 'epic' in every sensible sense of the word IMHO, yet lasting no longer than about 11 minutes.
Because it's not a symphony and this thread is about "favorite epic symphonies" plus then I'd have a list of 1,000.
Quote from: relm1 on February 08, 2020, 03:51:18 PM
Yes, that is him but I don't know how to get that o.
Apparently you foudn it even harder to type
-ing instead of
-ind. 8) Typing an
ø is an accomplishment we won't share with the Anglo-Saxon world (the ø-gadget would soon be only commercially available, no doubt). >:D
Ragnar Søderlind it is, whether you like it, or not. ;D
Quote from: Mirror Image on February 07, 2020, 06:52:29 PM
Cool idea, Cesar, but I don't even listen to symphonies much these days. It seems I've simply moved away from them in my listening. Ask me this 10 or 11 years ago and I could give you a list pretty easily.
Doesn't matter, John. As you feel better. :)
Quote from: Christo on February 07, 2020, 11:42:07 PM
"Epic" particularly hard to define, but taking it into account as the cutting edge, my shortlist might read like:
Wordsworth 2
Walton 1
Vermeulen 2
Vasks 3
Vaughan Williams 6 & 9
Tubin 6
Tippett 2
Simpson 9
Shostakovich 8
Raid 1
Orthel 3
Nielsen 5
Mahler 6
Kinsella 7
Holmboe 8
Guarnieri 3
Goossens 1
Brian 1
Bliss ´A Colour´
Ben-Haim 2
Bate 3
Arnold 5
Arnell 3
Alwyn 4
Andriessen 4
Quote from: relm1 on February 08, 2020, 05:54:18 AM
Arthur Benjamin: 1
G. Lloyd: 3, 7
S. Prokofiev: 3,4,5,6,7
D. Bourgeois: No. 1, 2,3, 6, especially 9, 33, and 42
R.V.W: 1,2
Lyatoshinsky: 3
Langgaard: 1, 6
Shostakovich: 4,5,7,8,10,11,12,13
Mahler: 1-10
Tchaikovsky: 4-6
I. Norholm: 2
M. Arnold: 4, 9
E. Bloch: Symphony in C# minor
B. Herrmann: Symphony
Havergal Brian: 1, 4
R. Soderling: 6, 9
Those are my 50 epic 25 symphonies.
Quote from: Maestro267 on February 08, 2020, 10:29:37 AM
I'm struggling to define "epic", but I'm setting a cutoff point of the works have to be 40 minutes or longer.
Mahler: 2, 3, 6, 8
Shostakovich: 4, 7, 11
Brian: 1-4
Schnittke: 1, 3
Lloyd: 7, 11
Korngold: F#
Simpson: 4, 9
MacMillan: 1 ("Vigil")
Elgar: 1-3
Vaughan Williams: 1, 2
Langgaard: 1
Very, very appealing choices from you. I had to leave out some great from there (Simpson 9, Arnell 3, Herrmann, Benjamin, Korngold, Lloyd 11). Don't know neither the MacMillan nor the Bourgeois. I hope there will be recordings of them.
Great thread idea Cesar. Here goes in random order:
Bloch: Symphony in C sharp minor (currently playing here!)
Gliere: Symphony 3 'Ilya Murometz'
Furtwangler: Symphony No. 2
Miaskovsky: Symphony No.6
Pettersson: Symphony No.7
Havergal Brian: Symphony No.1
Arnell: Symphony No.3
Rachmaninov: Symphony No.1
Klaus Egge: Symphony No.1
Shostakovich: Symphony No.11 'The Year 1905'
Arthur Benjamin: Symphony
Robin Orr: Symphony in One Movement ( short but 'epic' IMO)
Samuel Barber: Symphony No.1
Roy Harris: Symphony No.3
Copland: Symphony No.3
Mahler: Symphony No.9
Bruckner: Symphony No.8
Sibelius: Symphony No.7
Bliss: 'Morning Heroes' (counted as a choral symphony)
Nielsen: Symphony No.5
Tubin: Symphony No.2 'Legendary'
Walton: Symphony No.1
Popov: Symphony No.2 'Motherland'
Bax: Symphony No.5
Vaughan Williams: Symphony No.9
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on February 10, 2020, 06:58:19 AM
Very, very appealing choices from you. I had to leave out some great from there (Simpson 9, Arnell 3, Herrmann, Benjamin, Korngold, Lloyd 11). Don't know neither the MacMillan nor the Bourgeois. I hope there will be recordings of them.
Many of Derek Bourgeous works are on youtube from radio broadcasts in the 1970's and 80's. He became more reclusive in his last years and didn't have his later orchestral works performed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCMLFBEflGc
There are many more I could have included, Suk's 'Asrael' Symphony for starters.
Quote from: vandermolen on February 11, 2020, 01:26:41 AM
Great thread idea Cesar. Here goes in random order:
Bloch: Symphony in C sharp minor (currently playing here!)
Gliere: Symphony 3 'Ilya Murometz'
Furtwangler: Symphony No. 2
Miaskovsky: Symphony No.6
Pettersson: Symphony No.7
Havergal Brian: Symphony No.1
Arnell: Symphony No.3
Rachmaninov: Symphony No.1
Klaus Egge: Symphony No.1
Shostakovich: Symphony No.11 'The Year 1905'
Arthur Benjamin: Symphony
Robin Orr: Symphony in One Movement ( short but 'epic' IMO)
Samuel Barber: Symphony No.1
Roy Harris: Symphony No.3
Copland: Symphony No.3
Mahler: Symphony No.9
Bruckner: Symphony No.8
Sibelius: Symphony No.7
Bliss: 'Morning Heroes' (counted as a choral symphony)
Nielsen: Symphony No.5
Tubin: Symphony No.2 'Legendary'
Walton: Symphony No.1
Popov: Symphony No.2 'Motherland'
Bax: Symphony No.5
Vaughan Williams: Symphony No.9
A fascinating list, Jeffrey. The Furtwängler, Barber and Popov definitely have that sense of something epic or imposing for me too, ditto the others.
Quote from: relm1 on February 11, 2020, 06:18:42 AM
Many of Derek Bourgeous works are on youtube from radio broadcasts in the 1970's and 80's. He became more reclusive in his last years and didn't have his later orchestral works performed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCMLFBEflGc
Good to read. He is a new composer to me, so I expect good things from his music.
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on February 10, 2020, 06:58:19 AM
Don't know neither the MacMillan ... I hope there will be recordings of them.
The MacMillan was recorded by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra under Osmo Vanska on BIS.
Quote from: relm1 on February 08, 2020, 05:54:18 AM
Arthur Benjamin: 1
G. Lloyd: 3, 7
S. Prokofiev: 3,4,5,6,7
D. Bourgeois: No. 1, 2,3, 6, especially 9, 33, and 42
R.V.W: 1,2
Lyatoshinsky: 3
Langgaard: 1, 6
Shostakovich: 4,5,7,8,10,11,12,13
Mahler: 1-10
Tchaikovsky: 4-6
I. Norholm: 2
M. Arnold: 4, 9
E. Bloch: Symphony in C# minor
B. Herrmann: Symphony
Havergal Brian: 1, 4
R. Soderling: 6, 9
Those are my 50 epic 25 symphonies.
I'm curious about the Soderlind and Bourgeois. Where did you hear the ones by Soderlind? I thought they were on YouTube, but they're not, most of the Bourgeois either. I recall being so impressed by Soderlind's 8th Symphony.
Quote from: Maestro267 on February 12, 2020, 01:33:14 AM
The MacMillan was recorded by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra under Osmo Vanska on BIS.
Oh yes. Fortunately his symphonies appear on commercial recordings.
I'd have included Söderlind Symphony No.8 which I think is only available on You Tube.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vr5oA_cyfZk
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on February 12, 2020, 10:50:08 AM
I'm curious about the Soderlind and Bourgeois. Where did you hear the ones by Soderlind? I thought they were on YouTube, but they're not, most of the Bourgeois either. I recall being so impressed by Soderlind's 8th Symphony.
I have the CD's of Soderling's No, 2, 3, 4 and maybe another one (going off memory so these might be all) and there were several on youtube. Otherwise, I read the scores and his 6 and 9 are quite epic. For example, no. 9 is hour long with soloists, choir, and large orchestra. No. 6 has very large orchestra, lasts 55 minutes, 2 sets of timpani, six horns, etc.
As for Derek Bourgeois, we were friends for the last 10 year of his life and he sent me many of the early ones which were recorded in the 1960's-80's. After that all his symphonies only exist digitally or in wind band arrangements because he had considerably better chances getting the wind arrangements performed but the orchestral versions were the originals as intended. Derek's Symphony No. 9 is a four movement work lasting two hours but the finale is in itself almost an entire 40 minute symphony made up of a grand passacaglia. His Symphony No. 42 is in three giant movements (each lasting about an hour) and features soloists and choirs of the creation, life on earth, and eventual destruction. It is available only in computer mock-up version once he stopped trying to have his orchestral music performed he just composed becoming incredibly prolific.
Quote from: relm1 on February 14, 2020, 06:16:38 AMI'm curious about the Soderlind and Bourgeois. Where did you hear the ones by Soderlind? I thought they were on YouTube, but they're not, most of the Bourgeois either. I recall being so impressed by Soderlind's 8th Symphony.
I have the CD's of Soderling's No, 2, 3, 4 and maybe another one (going off memory so these might be all) from when they were commercially available and there were several on youtube. Otherwise, I read the scores and his 6 and 9 are quite epic. For example, no. 9 is an hour long with soloists, choir, and large orchestra. No. 6 has very large orchestra, lasts 55 minutes, 2 sets of timpani, six horns, etc. There is also a very fine and dramatic early tone poem I really like that I can't find online but have on CD called Taurmusik.
As for Derek Bourgeois, we were friends for the last 10 year of his life and he sent me many of the early ones which were recorded in the 1960's-80's. After that all his symphonies only exist digitally or in wind band arrangements because he had considerably better chances getting the wind arrangements performed but the orchestral versions were the originals as intended. Derek's Symphony No. 9 is a four movement work lasting two hours but the finale is in itself almost an entire 40 minute symphony made up of a grand passacaglia. His Symphony No. 42 is in three giant movements (each lasting about an hour) and features soloists and choirs of the creation, life on earth, and eventual destruction. It is available only in computer mock-up version once he stopped trying to have his orchestral music performed he just composed becoming incredibly prolific. Choral music doesn't work with computer mockup because all the voices and soloists just sing "Ahhh" so you have to be very used to hearing this to understand how it would sound but maybe one day we'll get a performance.
Quote from: relm1 on February 14, 2020, 06:18:01 AM
I have the CD's of Soderling's No, 2, 3, 4 and maybe another one (going off memory so these might be all) from when they were commercially available and there were several on youtube. Otherwise, I read the scores and his 6 and 9 are quite epic. For example, no. 9 is hour long with soloists, choir, and large orchestra. No. 6 has very large orchestra, lasts 55 minutes, 2 sets of timpani, six horns, etc. There is also a very fine and dramatic early tone poem I really like that I can't find online but have on CD called Taurmusik.
As for Derek Bourgeois, we were friends for the last 10 year of his life and he sent me many of the early ones which were recorded in the 1960's-80's. After that all his symphonies only exist digitally or in wind band arrangements because he had considerably better chances getting the wind arrangements performed but the orchestral versions were the originals as intended. Derek's Symphony No. 9 is a four movement work lasting two hours but the finale is in itself almost an entire 40 minute symphony made up of a grand passacaglia. His Symphony No. 42 is in three giant movements (each lasting about an hour) and features soloists and choirs of the creation, life on earth, and eventual destruction. It is available only in computer mock-up version once he stopped trying to have his orchestral music performed he just composed becoming incredibly prolific. Choral music doesn't work with computer mockup because all the voices and soloists just sing "Ahhh" so you have to be very used to hearing this to understand how it would sound but maybe one day we'll get a performance.
The Soderlind seem tremendous, above all the 6th with the timpani and the horns! It's a shame this composer doesn't get more exposure, because he's certainly very worth exploring. Thanks for responding!
Quote from: relm1 on February 14, 2020, 06:18:01 AMSoderling
Quote from: relm1 on February 14, 2020, 06:16:38 AM
Soderling's
Quote from: Christo on February 09, 2020, 02:37:49 AM
Apparently you found it even harder to type -ind instead of -ing. 8) Typing an ø is an accomplishment we won't share with the Anglo-Saxon world (the ø-gadget would soon be only commercially available, no doubt). >:D Ragnar Søderlind it is, whether you like it, or not. ;D
Errr, still all about one
Ragnar Søderlind, I presume? ???
Quote from: Christo on February 15, 2020, 10:49:17 AM
Errr, still all about one Ragnar Søderlind, I presume? ???
The composer must be too offended by our terrible lack of respect regarding his spelling. ;D
Quote from: Christo on February 15, 2020, 10:49:17 AM
Errr, still all about one Ragnar Søderlind, I presume? ???
I am ignoring you because you are being very rude. Do you want me to call out each of your American idioms? I don't know how to type international letters and you are being an ass about it. Not only that, I have very bad vision and get English letters wrong too. So tell me every time I get my own letters wrong please even when I can't see it.
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on February 15, 2020, 10:21:38 AM
The Soderlind seem tremendous, above all the 6th with the timpani and the horns! It's a shame this composer doesn't get more exposure, because he's certainly very worth exploring. Thanks for responding!
He is disappointed about this too! Like Derek Bourgeois, he is composing many work with little hope for performance such as his massive oratorio, The Wasteland, and his symphony No. 9.
Quote from: relm1 on February 15, 2020, 04:51:12 PM
I am ignoring you because you are being very rude. Do you want me to call out each of your American idioms? I don't know how to type international letters and you are being an ass about it. Not only that, I have very bad vision and get English letters wrong too. So tell me every time I get my own letters wrong please even when I can't see it.
Hold down the "o" key. Do you get a wee window with selections? I get ô, ö, ò, ó, œ, ø, ō, and õ, though since they appear in blue, they're a bit less easy to see than the usual black letters.
Also "g" and "d" are not "international" letters.
Also also, calling Christo rude is inarguably rude, whereas what Christo said could be taken in a variety of ways, none of them pertinent. Only
what he says is pertinent, not
how he says it. That's why "ad hominem" is considered a logical fallacy; that's why "ad hominem" is considered off-limits at GMG (and most other online discussion forums).
Quote from: some guy on February 15, 2020, 10:27:51 PM
Hold down the "o" key. Do you get a wee window with selections? I get ô, ö, ò, ó, œ, ø, ō, and õ, though since they appear in blue, they're a bit less easy to see than the usual black letters.
Ōh thãt'š gøöd Ī ñėvēr kńęŵ åłl thēśê ŵèrê hëré :o.
Quote from: relm1 on February 15, 2020, 04:51:12 PM
I am ignoring you because you are being very rude. Do you want me to call out each of your American idioms?
#yep
Quote from: steve ridgway on February 16, 2020, 02:12:30 AM
Ōh thãt'š gøöd Ī ñėvēr kńęŵ åłl thēśê ŵèrê hëré :o.
All wrong .. ???
If I hold the o button it just goes oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
My new list (without consulting my old one) - displacement activity ::)
Bruckner: Symphony No.8
Weinberg: Symphony No. 5
Shostakovich: Symphony 8
Arnell: Symphony No.3
Mahler: Symphony No.9
Tubin: Symphony 2 'Legendary'
Suk: Asrael Symphony
Moyzes: Symphony No.7
Egge: Symphony No.1
Miaskovsky: Symphony No.3
Eshpai: Symphony No.5
Glazunov: Symphony No.8
Gliere: 'Ilya Murometz'
Walton: Symphony No.1
Soderlind: Symphony No.8
Norgard: 'Sinfonia Austera'
Kinsella: Symphony No.4 'The Four Provinces'
Honegger: Symphony No.3 'Liturgique'
Vaughan Williams: 'A Sea Symphony'
Shostakovich: Symphony 13 'Babi Yar'
Bloch: Symphony in C Minor
Sibelius: Symphony No.7
Popov: Symphony No.1
Holmboe: Symphony No.10
Rosenberg: Symphony No.2 'Sinfonia Grave'
Beethoven: 5, 7
Bruckner: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Mahler: 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10
Martinů: 4, 6
Nielsen: 3, 5
Rautavaara: 7
Sibelius: 2, 7
Shostakovich: 4, 5, 15
Strauss: Alpine
Tchaikovsky: 6
These are all epic, whatever that means!
Quote from: vandermolen on March 03, 2020, 07:25:15 AM
My new list (without consulting my old one) - displacement activity ::)
Bruckner: Symphony No.8
Weinberg: Symphony No. 5
Shostakovich: Symphony 8
Arnell: Symphony No.3
Mahler: Symphony No.9
Tubin: Symphony 2 'Legendary'
Suk: Asrael Symphony
Moyzes: Symphony No.7
Egge: Symphony No.1
Miaskovsky: Symphony No.3
Eshpai: Symphony No.5
Glazunov: Symphony No.8
Gliere: 'Ilya Murometz'
Walton: Symphony No.1
Soderlind: Symphony No.8
Norgard: 'Sinfonia Austera'
Kinsella: Symphony No.4 'The Four Provinces'
Honegger: Symphony No.3 'Liturgique'
Vaughan Williams: 'A Sea Symphony'
Shostakovich: Symphony 13 'Babi Yar'
Bloch: Symphony in C Minor
Sibelius: Symphony No.7
Popov: Symphony No.1
Holmboe: Symphony No.10
Rosenberg: Symphony No.2 'Sinfonia Grave'
The VW seems the one has more grandeur, so it suits very good. Curious your mention of the Miaskovsky. Glazunov, yes! His most visionary definitely (besides the fragment of the 9th).
Quote from: Total Rafa on March 03, 2020, 09:28:31 AM
Beethoven: 5, 7
Bruckner: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Mahler: 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10
Martinů: 4, 6
Nielsen: 3, 5
Rautavaara: 7
Sibelius: 2, 7
Shostakovich: 4, 5, 15
Strauss: Alpine
Tchaikovsky: 6
These are all epic, whatever that means!
Maybe I would exclude Mahler 10 and Shostakovich 15. The rest looks fine. 8)
I should make some changes by focusing in more sense of grandeur or struggle as I get the epic term:
Atterberg: 2
Bax: 1
Bloch: in C sharp minor
Brian: 1
Bruckner: 8
Casella: 2
Gliere: 3
Khachaturian: 2
Korngold: in F sharp
Langgaard: 1, 6
Lloyd: 4
Lyatoshinsky: 3
Mahler: 6
Melartin: 3
Nielsen, Carl: 4, 5
Nielsen, Ludolf: 3
Raid: 1
Shostakovich: 11
Sibelius: 7
Steinberg: 2
Taneyev: 4
Tubin: 2
Walton: 1
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on April 27, 2020, 06:31:27 PM
I should make some changes by focusing in more sense of grandeur or struggle as I get the epic term:
Atterberg: 2
Bax: 1
Bloch: in C sharp minor
Brian: 1
Bruckner: 8
Casella: 2
Gliere: 3
Khachaturian: 2
Korngold: in F sharp
Langgaard: 1, 6
Lloyd: 4
Lyatoshinsky: 3
Mahler: 6
Melartin: 3
Nielsen, Carl: 4, 5
Nielsen, Ludolf: 3
Raid: 1
Shostakovich: 11
Sibelius: 7
Steinberg: 2
Taneyev: 4
Tubin: 2
Walton: 1
I can honestly say that I agree with every one of these Cesar! However, I've only heard extracts from Nilelsen L's Symphony No.3 on You Tube which sounded very impressive. I've ordered a CD of Symphony No.2 (CPO) as it was considerably cheaper. I might have gone for Langgaard's 4th Symphony but No.6 is my other favourite. Bax's No.5 has an 'epic' quality I think, especially in Raymond Leppard's recording on Lyrita. I might have gone for Atterberg No.5 'Funebre' which is probably my favourite of his cycle.
I can name best epic Russian symphonies in my view because it's my homeland:
Anton Rubinstein - 4
Tchaikovsky - 4, Manfred
Glazunov - 3
Rachmaninov - 2
Prokofiev - 6
Shostakovich - 7, 10
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on March 04, 2020, 06:42:11 AM
Maybe I would exclude Mahler 10 and Shostakovich 15. The rest looks fine. 8)
In that case would add in Messiaen
Turangalila and Brahms 4. :)
Quote from: Dima on May 01, 2020, 07:41:14 AM
I can name best epic Russian symphonies in my view because it's my homeland:
Anton Rubinstein - 4
Tchaikovsky - 4, Manfred
Glazunov - 3
Rachmaninov - 2
Prokofiev - 6
Shostakovich - 7, 10
Nice choice! Never heard the Rubinstein, so I'll investigate. The Prokofiev 6 is terrific in the concert hall.
Quote from: vandermolen on April 29, 2020, 02:35:07 AM
I can honestly say that I agree with every one of these Cesar! However, I've only heard extracts from Nilelsen L's Symphony No.3 on You Tube which sounded very impressive. I've ordered a CD of Symphony No.2 (CPO) as it was considerably cheaper. I might have gone for Langgaard's 4th Symphony but No.6 is my other favourite. Bax's No.5 has an 'epic' quality I think, especially in Raymond Leppard's recording on Lyrita. I might have gone for Atterberg No.5 'Funebre' which is probably my favourite of his cycle.
In terms of epicness I do prefer the Langgaard's 6th (though I love both to the bone)! I've listened to Atterberg and I've felt myself a bit tired of hearing too many epic symphonies lately. 8)
Quote from: André on May 01, 2020, 11:30:06 AM
Nice choice! Never heard the Rubinstein, so I'll investigate.
I have only one adequate recording of it (it is not from CD or youtube). If you ask I could download it in on forum. It is interesting for me your's opinion.
That would be nice, Dima. I understand that the version you could download is superior to what's available on disc. I'm intrigued!
Quote from: André on May 01, 2020, 01:40:57 PM
That would be nice, Dima. I understand that the version you could download is superior to what's available on disc. I'm intrigued!
The link on recording of 4th symphony "Dramatic"(1874) of Anton Rubinstein, that I have announced (mp3 in zip archive, 112 mb):
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1xGLCrGPYjTTXZQgX_qiz38JMNUcIbRwL
Thank you Dima. I've sent it to a friend for burning on a cdr. I don't have that facility since I only use a tablet. It might take a while since we can't travel/meet during the pandemic :-X
Thanks again !
Quote from: Dima on May 02, 2020, 03:55:52 AM
The link on recording of 4th symphony "Dramatic"(1874) of Anton Rubinstein, that I have announced (mp3 in zip archive, 112 mb):
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1xGLCrGPYjTTXZQgX_qiz38JMNUcIbRwL
May be someone will give a feedback about the symphony in this recording?
In my view the easiest way to understand it is to listen from the 4th part.
The 4th symphony of Anton Rubinstein was written at the time when Tchaikovsky wrote two first symphonies.
Hi Dima, as soon as I can get a burned cd of your link I'll listen to it. I sent the link to a friend who burned it on disc for me. For now however Covid-19 precludes any hand to hand exchange of the disc... :(
Maybe someone else got a chance to listen to it?
Okay, I think I'll give this a try now:
(In no particular order)
Shostakovich: Symphonies 4, 7, & 11
Sibelius: Symphony Nos. 4 & 5
Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5
Weinberg: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6
Martinů: Symphony No. 4
Nielsen: Symphony Nos. 3 & 5
Dvořák: Symphony Nos. 4 & 7
Vaughan Williams: Symphonies Nos. 2, 5, & 6
Bruckner: Symphony No. 8
Mahler: Symphony No. 3
Atterberg: Symphony No. 3
Copland: Symphony No. 3
Walton: Symphony No. 1
Myaskovsky: Symphonies Nos. 25 & 27
Brian: Symphony No. 1
Schnittke: Symphony No. 8
Ask me tomorrow and it'll probably be totally different.
Rubinstein could easily apply to this category with his 2nd and 4th symphonies. They do have some grandeur and forceful character. Some of his PCs too contain fine music, so the cello concertos.
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 22, 2020, 05:18:33 PM
Okay, I think I'll give this a try now:
(In no particular order)
Shostakovich: Symphonies 4, 7, & 11
Sibelius: Symphony Nos. 4 & 5
Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5
Weinberg: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6
Martinů: Symphony No. 4
Nielsen: Symphony Nos. 3 & 5
Dvořák: Symphony Nos. 4 & 7
Vaughan Williams: Symphonies Nos. 2, 5, & 6
Bruckner: Symphony No. 8
Mahler: Symphony No. 3
Atterberg: Symphony No. 3
Copland: Symphony No. 3
Walton: Symphony No. 1
Myaskovsky: Symphonies Nos. 25 & 27
Brian: Symphony No. 1
Schnittke: Symphony No. 8
Ask me tomorrow and it'll probably be totally different.
I must confess a little of surprise by the Schnittke. A most attractive list, John, by the way. There are several epic that I share.
1. Beethoven 9 (Bernstein, 1989)
2. Mahler 1 (Maazel, VPO)
3. D'Indy 2 (DePriest)
4. Poleva NUll (Sirenko)
5. Bruckner 9 (Jochum, BRSO)
6. Sibelius 7 (Maazel, WP)
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on May 22, 2020, 06:33:59 PM
I must confess a little of surprise by the Schnittke. A most attractive list, John, by the way. There are several epic that I share.
Thanks, Cesar. The Schnittke 8th has long been a favorite of mine with the nearly 18 minute
Lento being the centerpiece of the symphony. Perhaps it's not 'epic' in the
Star Wars or
The Lord of the Rings kind of scope, but, I must admit that I find the Schnittke 8th transformative and inspiring in that one can find happiness even when life is weighing you down and keeping you from breaking free from the chains. I was going to add Stenhammar's 2nd or Arnold's 9th to my list, but I had too many already. :)
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 22, 2020, 06:47:12 PM
Thanks, Cesar. The Schnittke 8th has long been a favorite of mine with the nearly 18 minute Lento being the centerpiece of the symphony. Perhaps it's not 'epic' in the Star Wars or The Lord of the Rings kind of scope, but, I must admit that I find the Schnittke 8th transformative and inspiring in that one can find happiness even when life is weighing you down and keeping you from breaking free from the chains. I was going to add Stenhammar's 2nd or Arnold's 9th to my list, but I had too many already. :)
Interesting explanation, John. A perfectly valid interpretation. 8)
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on May 23, 2020, 06:55:58 PM
Interesting explanation, John. A perfectly valid interpretation. 8)
Kudos, Cesar. :)
Quote from: Mirror Image on May 22, 2020, 05:18:33 PM
Okay, I think I'll give this a try now:
(In no particular order)
Shostakovich: Symphonies 4, 7, & 11
Sibelius: Symphony Nos. 4 & 5
Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5
Weinberg: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6
Martinů: Symphony No. 4
Nielsen: Symphony Nos. 3 & 5
Dvořák: Symphony Nos. 4 & 7
Vaughan Williams: Symphonies Nos. 2, 5, & 6
Bruckner: Symphony No. 8
Mahler: Symphony No. 3
Atterberg: Symphony No. 3
Copland: Symphony No. 3
Walton: Symphony No. 1
Myaskovsky: Symphonies Nos. 25 & 27
Brian: Symphony No. 1
Schnittke: Symphony No. 8
Ask me tomorrow and it'll probably be totally different.
Great list John! (Or one that I very much relate to😀)
I need to hear the Schnittke symphony. I really like his Piano Quintet.
As for NYM I'd had included his 6th and 17th symphonies as well - bot are pretty 'epic' IMO. Also maybe Neilsen No.4 and Shostakovich No.8, Roy Harris No.3, Bax No.5.
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on May 22, 2020, 06:21:52 PM
Rubinstein could easily apply to this category with his 2nd and 4th symphonies. They do have some grandeur and forceful character. Some of his PCs too contain fine music, so the cello concertos.
Rubinstein's 2nd Symphony
Ocean was a (surprisingly?) good discovery of mine recently, in its revised 7-movement version of 1880 as recorded by Gunzenhauser and the Slovak Phil on Naxos. Perhaps I found one of the shorter movements rather uninspired and unnecessary but the work otherwise held my attention with its sweeping gestures and often memorable themes. Of course, it's no serious match for later evocations of the sea by Atterberg, Bridge, Debussy, Gilson, Nystroem, RVW, et al. but it's quite impressive for its time. I've been prompted to explore more of Rubinstein's music now.
Quote from: kyjo on May 24, 2020, 02:55:54 PM
Rubinstein's 2nd Symphony Ocean was a (surprisingly?) good discovery of mine recently, in its revised 7-movement version of 1880 as recorded by Gunzenhauser and the Slovak Phil on Naxos. Perhaps I found one of the shorter movements rather uninspired and unnecessary but the work otherwise held my attention with its sweeping gestures and often memorable themes. Of course, it's no serious match for later evocations of the sea by Atterberg, Bridge, Debussy, Gilson, Nystroem, RVW, et al. but it's quite impressive for its time. I've been prompted to explore more of Rubinstein's music now.
Rubinstein has his moments. I only know the 2nd Symphony in its seven-movement version. I think Rubinstein shines in his chamber music. I especially remember his two piano quartets. Fine, fine music.
Quote from: kyjo on May 24, 2020, 02:55:54 PM
Rubinstein's 2nd Symphony Ocean was a (surprisingly?) good discovery of mine recently, in its revised 7-movement version of 1880 as recorded by Gunzenhauser and the Slovak Phil on Naxos. Perhaps I found one of the shorter movements rather uninspired and unnecessary but the work otherwise held my attention with its sweeping gestures and often memorable themes. Of course, it's no serious match for later evocations of the sea by Atterberg, Bridge, Debussy, Gilson, Nystroem, RVW, et al. but it's quite impressive for its time. I've been prompted to explore more of Rubinstein's music now.
I must say that the original 4 part version of symphony Ocean is not an image of оcean. It is one of the most sophisticated symphonies. But after critics began joking about that (where is ocean?) Rubinstein added parts with storm and so on, but it was not a good idea to listen critics in my view although he wrote some good music. I would like to recommend to listen it in good version, but there is no one you can buy, and I mostly turn to my imagination. But I have some excerpts of music playing from which you can feel that the the music is deeper than it is played on the only one recording with all 7 parts. If you want to learn his other works, try the 4th symphony in special version that I posted here in this poll topic on forum.
So, this thread title used to be "25 favorite epic symphonies" and now it's just "25 favorite symphonies"? In any case, I'll just go with the more general latter choice. ;)
Alfvén 3
Andreae in C major
Arnold 5
Atterberg 2
Braga Santos 4
Brahms 4
Casella 2
Damase (Symphonie)
Dvořák 7
Elgar 2
Korngold in F-sharp
Lloyd 5
Magnard 4
Mahler 6 Tragic
Melartin 3
Mendelssohn 3 Scottish
Moeran in G minor
Nielsen 5
Prokofiev 5
Rachmaninoff 2
Saint-Saëns 3 avec orgue
Schmidt 4
Sibelius 6
Vaughan Williams 2 A London Symphony
Walton 1
P.S. To all those deserving candidates who I had to leave out: don't worry, I'll probably be coming back around at some point with a List #2! 8)
This is difficult for me because starting with Mahler, Bruckner and Beethoven I'm already at the limit before I even get started!
Quote from: DavidW on July 28, 2023, 07:45:36 AMThis is difficult for me because starting with Mahler, Bruckner and Beethoven I'm already at the limit before I even get started!
lol ;D
As for me...oh boy! A bunch of Vaughan Williams and some Sibelius and Dvorak. I'll have to give this some more thought.
PD
Quote from: DavidW on July 28, 2023, 07:45:36 AMThis is difficult for me because starting with Mahler, Bruckner and Beethoven I'm already at the limit before I even get started!
Substitute
Haydn,
Mozart and
Schubert for Mahler, Bruckner and Beethoven --- and I find myself in the same predicament. :D
Quote from: Florestan on July 28, 2023, 10:21:34 AMSubstitute Haydn, Mozart and Schubert for Mahler, Bruckner and Beethoven --- and I find myself in the same predicament. :D
Haydn was actually first on my mind, but I couldn't even begin to pick out a select few out of his 104.
No one asked for it, but here's my List #2. I love symphonies, by the way! ;D
Alnaes 2
Barber 1
Bax 2
Beethoven 8
Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique
Berwald 3 Singulière
Bloch in C-sharp minor
Borodin 2
Bruckner 9
Hanson 3
Kabalevsky 4
Holmboe 8 Sinfonia boreale
Honegger 3 Liturgique
Martinů 1
Mozart 39
Ludolf Nielsen 3
Peterson-Berger 3 Same Ätnam
Pettersson 7
Raff 5 Lenore
Roussel 3
Rubbra 7
Schubert 9 (Great C major)
Suk Asrael
Tchaikovsky 5
Tubin 2 Legendary
It's nice looking back over these lists and reflecting on all the truly wonderful music I've had the privilege of encountering over the past 8 or so years of my life. And that's just symphonies! My life would be all the poorer would it not be for the joy of discovering and re-discovering the vast quantity of great music out there. And a big thank you to many of my fellow GMG members for helping me discover so much of this music in the first place! :)
Quote from: kyjo on July 28, 2023, 07:41:35 AMSo, this thread title used to be "25 favorite epic symphonies" and now it's just "25 favorite symphonies"? In any case, I'll just go with the more general latter choice. ;)
Alfvén 3
Andreae in C major
Arnold 5
Atterberg 2
Braga Santos 4
Brahms 4
Casella 2
Damase (Symphonie)
Dvořák 7
Elgar 2
Korngold in F-sharp
Lloyd 5
Magnard 4
Mahler 6 Tragic
Melartin 3
Mendelssohn 3 Scottish
Moeran in G minor
Nielsen 5
Prokofiev 5
Rachmaninoff 2
Saint-Saëns 3 avec orgue
Schmidt 4
Sibelius 6
Vaughan Williams 2 A London Symphony
Walton 1
P.S. To all those deserving candidates who I had to leave out: don't worry, I'll probably be coming back around at some point with a List #2! 8)
While all the symphonies on your list which i know surely deserve their place, I'm mildly horrified that there is no
Shostakovich at all in your first tranche, here. Only a little surprised that there is no
Tchaikovsky or
Bruckner, either.
Quote from: Karl Henning on July 29, 2023, 08:03:18 AMWhile all the symphonies on your list which i know surely deserve their place, I'm mildly horrified that there is no Shostakovich at all in your first tranche, here. Only a little surprised that there is no Tchaikovsky or Bruckner, either.
I thought it was a relatively well-known fact on GMG that I'm far from the world's biggest DSCH fan! As I've said before, it shouldn't be a big deal because he gets plenty of love from most other GMG members. And check List #2 for Tchaikovsky and Bruckner. ;)
Quote from: kyjo on July 29, 2023, 07:36:25 PMI thought it was a relatively well-known fact on GMG that I'm far from the world's biggest DSCH fan! As I've said before, it shouldn't be a big deal because he gets plenty of love from most other GMG members. And check List #2 for Tchaikovsky and Bruckner. ;)
I appreciate your discretion in somehow keeping that dark from me. We can still be mates.
Beethoven: 3, 5, 9
Bruckner: 9
Brahms: 1
Shosty: 5, 10
Prokofiev: 5
Mahler: 1, 2
Tchai: 4, 2, 6
Berlioz: Fantastique
Sibelius: 1
Ives: 2
Kalinnikov: 1
Schubert: 8
Mendelssohn: 4
Dvorak: 8, 9
There...21 :)
Limiting myself to one per composer except for Hatdn, Mozart and Beethoven -
Haydn 100 (Military), 104 (London)
Mozart 40 & 41 (Jupiter)
Beethoven 3 Eroica, 7 & 9
Berlioz Fantastique
Schumann (Rhenish)
Schubert Great C major (7, 8, 9 whatever it is now)
Brahms 4
Bruckner 9
Mahler 5
Sibelius 7
Nielsen 5
Elgar 2
Vaughan Williams 2 (London)
Dvorak 8
Tchaikovsky 6
Rachmaninov 2
Bax (not sure which one)
Martinu (not sure which on)
Prokofiev 5
Shostakovich 10
Walton 1
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on February 07, 2020, 04:23:21 PMMine are:
Walton: 1
Vaughan Williams: 5
Tubin: 2
Suk: 2 (Asrael)
Sibelius: 7
Shostakovich: 7, 11
Schmidt; 2
Raid: 1
Nielsen: 4, 5
Mahler: 6
Lyatoshinsky: 3
Langgaard: 1, 6
Khachaturian: 2
Holmboe: 8
Gliere: 3
Casella: 2
Braga Santos: 4
Brian: 1
Bloch: in C sharp
Bax: 5
Atterberg: 2
Alwyn: 3
Honorable mentions
Arnold: 5
Hanson: 3
Kinsella: 11
Miaskovsky: 22
Prokofiev: 5
Rosenberg: 2
Villa-Lobos: 4
What about you?
Updating (in any order):
Beethoven: 3
Korngold: in F sharp
Tubin: 2
Holmboe: 8
Madetoja: 2
Vaughan Williams: 9
Nielsen: 5
Sibelius: 7
Shostakovich: 8
Prokofiev: 5
Mahler: 6
Bruckner: 7
Martinu: tough choice, but I pick the 6th
Atterberg: 3
Walton: 1
Langgaard: 6
Honegger: 3
Tchaikovsky: 6
Dvorak: 8
Elgar: 2
Brahms: 3
Bantock: A Celtic Symphony
Melartin: 3
Schmidt: 4
Rachmaninov: 3
Quote from: david johnson on July 30, 2023, 02:26:47 AMBeethoven: 3, 5, 9
Bruckner: 9
Brahms: 1
Shosty: 5, 10
Prokofiev: 5
Mahler: 1, 2
Tchai: 4, 2, 6
Berlioz: Fantastique
Sibelius: 1
Ives: 2
Kalinnikov: 1
Schubert: 8
Mendelssohn: 4
Dvorak: 8, 9
There...21 :)
Good to see Sibelius' 1st being mentioned. I love it, no matter if it's not in his mature style.
Quote from: kyjo on July 29, 2023, 07:16:41 AMNo one asked for it, but here's my List #2. I love symphonies, by the way! ;D
Alnaes 2
Barber 1
Bax 2
Beethoven 8
Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique
Berwald 3 Singulière
Bloch in C-sharp minor
Borodin 2
Bruckner 9
Hanson 3
Kabalevsky 4
Holmboe 8 Sinfonia boreale
Honegger 3 Liturgique
Martinů 1
Mozart 39
Ludolf Nielsen 3
Peterson-Berger 3 Same Ätnam
Pettersson 7
Raff 5 Lenore
Roussel 3
Rubbra 7
Schubert 9 (Great C major)
Suk Asrael
Tchaikovsky 5
Tubin 2 Legendary
It's nice looking back over these lists and reflecting on all the truly wonderful music I've had the privilege of encountering over the past 8 or so years of my life. And that's just symphonies! My life would be all the poorer would it not be for the joy of discovering and re-discovering the vast quantity of great music out there. And a big thank you to many of my fellow GMG members for helping me discover so much of this music in the first place! :)
We have similar tastes Kyle!
;D