Most bombastic composers of the 20th/21st century?

[EigenUser]

A lot of people seem to describe Wagner, Mahler, and Bruckner as bombastic (which I don't see as a good quality or a bad quality -- just simply a quality). When it comes to post-romantic-era music, who do you consider to be bombastic and over-the-top?

[Karl Henning]

No contest:  John Williams.  But the context has the audience lapping it up 

[The new erato]

Within a traditional context probably Katchaturian.

[Sergeant Rock]

Messiaen.

Sarge

[The new erato]

Messiaen.

Sarge

How could I forget? Mea culpa!

[king ubu]

Stan Kenton

[EigenUser]

I'd say definitely Messiaen. Some Ravel, too. And Shostakovich.

[The new erato]

I'd say definitely Messiaen. Some Ravel, too. And Shostakovich.

Ravel? As in what works? I mean, noisy (Daphnis) and bombastic is hardly the same thing.

[Sergeant Rock]

Ravel? As in what works? I mean, noisy (Daphnis) and bombastic is hardly the same thing.

He might be thinking Bolero.

Sarge

[Cato]

Within a traditional context probably Khachaturian.

I would say "absolutely" Khachaturian! 

The Symphony #3 with 15 trumpets and an organ is a great example!

[(poco) Sforzando]

For sheer noisiness, the Varèse of Amériques and Arcana (though I love them both). Jon Leifs. Some of Christopher Rouse (like "Gorgon").

[The new erato]

He might be thinking Bolero.

Sarge

He must confuse bombastic and boring. Jen Leifs, that I can see.

But the term bombastic, doesn't that signify noisy but without real content as in noisy but with little to say?

[pjme]

Richard Strauss? Respighi? Mahler?

[EigenUser]

Ravel? As in what works? I mean, noisy (Daphnis) and bombastic is hardly the same thing.

Bolero, La Valse, some parts of the amputation concerto, finale of the G major, and the finale of the Rapsodie Espagnole come to mind.

Richard Strauss? Respighi? Mahler?

Absolutely.

But the term bombastic, doesn't that signify noisy but without real content as in noisy but with little to say?

I guess I just mean not being ashamed to use full force. Not necessarily with little to say, since that adds a negative connotation.

[Sergeant Rock]

But the term bombastic, doesn't that signify noisy but without real content as in noisy but with little to say?

Yes, that's the definition (although not Nate's). I think Bolero qualifies because it's just repetition of a single theme that gets loud, and louder. Interesting effect though, and I do enjoy the bombast 

Sarge

[Ken B]

I'd say definitely Messiaen. Some Ravel, too. And Shostakovich.

My work here is done.

[North Star]

Bolero, La Valse, some parts of the amputation concerto, finale of the G major, and the finale of the Rapsodie Espagnole come to mind.

You're banned for life from the Ravel fan club. 'Bombastic' doesn't mean just loud, you know. 

Strauss, Respighi, Mahler, Messiaen, Leifs, and even Shostakovich certainly indulged occasionally. And Orff.

[Karl Henning]

The angels weep.

[Ken B]

[Nate is] banned for life from the Ravel fan club.

This is the best thread ever!

[Ken B]

I hadn't thought of John Williams, but he's a good suggestion. But I am plumping for Messiaen.