6 favourite v 6 greatest composers

[Sergeant Rock]

I am astounded at how badly Schubert is doing in both the favorite and greatest composers categories.

In my case the limiting number six makes Schubert just miss the cut. He's definitely in my top 10.

Sarge

[mn dave]

I am astounded at how badly Schubert is doing in both the favorite and greatest composers categories.

That's because of all the lengthy-symphony fanatics around these parts. 

[Ten thumbs]

I am astounded at how badly Schubert is doing in both the favorite and greatest composers categories.

Okay: here goes:
Favourites:
Schubert
Chopin
Mozart
Hensel
Tchaikovsky
Medtner

Greatest (if that is possible):
Schubert
Beethoven
Mozart
Debussy
Prokofiev
Shostakovich

[Dundonnell]

That's because of all the lengthy-symphony fanatics around these parts. 

Don't call me a fanatic

[Lethevich]

I had thought about this for two days or so (I like meaningless lists ) but cannot commit to a greatest list for the following reasons:

I first thought that it was so obviously and objectively Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn, Brahms, Wagner and Bach. Haydn's position in this list is somewhat shaky and could be replaced by a token figure from the 20th century or somebody who didn't speak German. Then I noticed the folly of a) the regional bias, and b) the bizarre bias towards a relatively narrow period of 200 years. But picking one from each period wouldn't work either, as it would leave out too many major figures. Also, how can Rameau and Debussy even be compared? I could possibly narrow the list down to 20 or 25 immortals, but 6 is masochistic

I also can't do all-time favourites, as my tastes fluctuate, but currently I am loving:

RVW, Tüür, Sibelius, Josquin, Haydn, Medtner

[Opus106]

I wonder why Brahms would make it to a list of greatest(whatever that means)? How far was his influence compared to the likes of the rest in the list. He was one of the best in the Romantic era, I don't contest that, but as far as I know, he seems to have had more personal and professional rivals than anyone else. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[Dundonnell]

I happen to like symphonies(as if that wasn't obvious!!).

I collect symphonies, I listen to symphonies, I love a huge number of symphonies

Of all the symphonies I have ever heard-which is quite a few-the Brahms 4th is-to my mind-the greatest symphony ever written!
Everytime I hear it, whether conducted by Carlos Kleiber or Claudio Abbado or almost anybody else I am reduced to speechless amazement

[Bulldog]

I wonder why Brahms would make it to a list of greatest(whatever that means)? How far was his influence compared to the likes of the rest in the list. He was one of the best in the Romantic era, I don't contest that, but as far as I know, he seems to have had more personal and professional rivals than anyone else. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

You seem to be creating an inverse relationship between rivals and greatness as a composer.  Do you really believe that?

[Dundonnell]

i think his 3rd symphony is perhaps even greater 
[/quote/]

We will agree about Brahms at least though

[ChamberNut]

i think his 3rd symphony is perhaps even greater 
[/quote

We will agree about Brahms at least though

I think his 1st symphony is his best, but of course that is only my opinion

I happen to think that Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor is his masterpiece of all his orchestral works.  Again, my opinion.

Of all composers that I've come across and listened to a broad range of their respective repertoires, Brahms hands down seems to me as having no 'duds' in all his compositions.  Perhaps that is due to his extreme perfectionism, self-criticism and constant re-working of compositions.

[Opus106]

You seem to be creating an inverse relationship between rivals and greatness as a composer.  Do you really believe that?

It wasn't a generalisation, at least, I didn't mean it that way. Quite a few composers during his time didn't quite like his style of music, didn't they? (Liszt and gang, Tchaikovsky), even though he had the backing of Schumann in the early days. As I said, I don't deny that he was a great composer, but in the same league as Haydn, Beethoven and Wagner?

[mn dave]

hell yeah, easily.

0:)

[mn dave]

Listen to Bach more...and marvel at the timeless perfection he so often achieved.

Good advice.

[ChamberNut]

Listen to Bach more...and marvel at the timeless perfection he so often achieved.

It's my number 1 'music listening goal' for 2009, James. 

[karlhenning]

Listen to Bach more...and take longer naps. 

[Opus106]

Listen to Bach more...and marvel at the timeless perfection he so often achieved.

That's an adjective I wouldn't mind using over and over again to describe Bach's music. It's certainly not an exaggeration, and I don't mind it being overused.

[The new erato]

For me the three greats are Bach, Beethoven and Brahms - easily. After that it becomes difficult, but I think probably Monteverdi belongs among the six. And yes dundonnell - no other composer, not even the other 2 Bs I mention,  has the consistent high quality of Brahms.

[mn dave]

Listen to Bach more...and take longer naps. 

!!!

[mn dave]

For me the three greats are Bach, Beethoven and Brahms - easily. After that it becomes difficult, but I think probably Monteverdi belongs among the six. And yes dundonnell - no other composer, not even the other 2 Bs I mention,  has the consistent high quality of Brahms.

I keep agreeing with everyone today. What's wrong with me?

[Opus106]

Mr. Henning's latest purchase