Announcement

**Grillparzer** · 08-29-2003, 08:59 PM

Having read that book several years ago as my introduction to classical music, I can only say now, retrospectively, that it is good that I have become more tolerant of other people's opinions! The other thing you will notice in reading it is that the works that he chooses to illustrate each composer's prowess are subjective, to say the least. Oh well, when I write my own book, then MY opinion shall reign!

------------------
Adieu,
Franz

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

**Joy** · 08-29-2003, 10:29 PM

Originally posted by Beethoven1:

And what do you all think of Wagner as high as 4? I am unfamiliar with Wagner's music, so it is hard for me to comment, but it amazes me that he is above Haydn and Handel.
Comments?

Don't tell that to Chazzz!!! Seriously I have to agree with the top three, they're my favourites! I would change the order however, (1) Beethoven, (2) Bach, and
(3)Mozart to suit my tastes. I would be interested in knowing what works the author choose for each composer that got him to choose this list of musicians?

------------------
'Truth and beauty joined'

**OboeKing** · 08-29-2003, 10:47 PM

hello!
I have not posted on this website for months! lol sorry I have been neglecting Beethoven for a while, and went through a bit of a Handel obsession. I am back to my spiritual home now!
Which brings me to the placing of Handel at number 9. This really saddens me. His choral and orchestral pieces are so full of splendour, grace, charm, elegance, at times wit, always dramatic and soul stirring. His oboe concerto is one of my favourites ever composed for the instrument, though it is not as well known as it should be. My personal top 3 is 1) Beethoven 2) Handel 3) I am undecided. It is a toss up between Prokofiev and Shostakovich. I think I love them both equally, so they will hav to settle for joint third.

I will be back soon, sooner than last time anyway!

Regards,
Michael.

[This message has been edited by OboeKing (edited August 30, 2003).]

**Andrea** · 08-30-2003, 06:18 AM

I too am waiting with "baited breathe" to hear what Rod's reaction will be to Händel being listed at #9.

I can't see Wagner at #4, sorry Chazzz no offence. I would like to have seen maybe Haydn or Schubert at #4 instead, but then that is just my humble opinion. And of course I would have Beethoven at #1. He's the home favorite here in Heiligenstadt and this would have a few people here mad to see that he was rated #3.

**Sorrano** · 08-30-2003, 07:35 PM

Originally posted by Andrea:
I too am waiting with "baited breathe" to hear what Rod's reaction will be to Händel being listed at #9.

I can't see Wagner at #4, sorry Chazzz no offence. I would like to have seen maybe Haydn or Schubert at #4 instead, but then that is just my humble opinion. And of course I would have Beethoven at #1. He's the home favorite here in Heiligenstadt and this would have a few people here mad to see that he was rated #3.

I have to agree whole-heartedly with you on your choices. While I like the music of Wagner a great deal I would be inclined to put him closer to the bottom of the top 20 than at the top.

**Poseidan73** · 08-30-2003, 08:27 PM

Originally posted by Beethoven1:
I would put Beethoven #1, but it is hard to argue with the top 3; they are, for the most part, interchangeable.

I think the top 3 is interchangeable, although i'd probably put Mozart in 3rd and Beethoven at number 1. Personally, i think Handel and Haydn's positions should be changed. I can't comment on Wagner because i'm not too familiar with his work. I'd also like to have seen Tchaikovsky at a slightly higher position.

**spaceray** · 08-31-2003, 01:00 AM

I really dislike the idea of rating composers ,it seems so narrow visioned .What are the worlds greatest paintings or structures or who are the worlds greatest people or the best books .My list will ever be different from yours.I simply don't get the point of this.

**Rod** · 08-31-2003, 01:01 PM

Originally posted by Andrea:
I too am waiting with "baited breathe" to hear what Rod's reaction will be to Händel being listed at #9.

Phil G. Goulding?

------------------
"If I were but of noble birth..." - Rod Corkin

**mrfixit** · 08-31-2003, 09:07 PM

Maybe the should do a top 100 composers show on channel 4? Lol maybe not.

**Sorrano** · 09-01-2003, 04:12 PM

Originally posted by spaceray:
I really dislike the idea of rating composers ,it seems so narrow visioned .What are the worlds greatest paintings or structures or who are the worlds greatest people or the best books .My list will ever be different from yours.I simply don't get the point of this.

I think the demands of our society and civilization require that we concisely define things which brings issues of who is better or worse. We have to categorize these things and quantify them. When I see someone's top 10 list of anything it helps me get a better perspective of that person and what is important in his/her life. For my own part I am fascinated to see how people rate things differently, anyway. It gives me the opportunity to rethink my own generated lists and requalify each ranking.

**spaceray** · 09-01-2003, 04:27 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Sorrano:
[B] We have to categorize these things and quantify them.

I'm sorry I think this notion is what wrong with the world.Life is not a contest.

**Rod** · 09-01-2003, 05:46 PM

[quote]Originally posted by spaceray:
[b]

Originally posted by Sorrano:
We have to categorize these things and quantify them.

I'm sorry I think this notion is what wrong with the world.Life is not a contest.

Perhaps you're right. If I'm only interested in two out of all the hundreds, not much point in ranking them!

------------------
"If I were but of noble birth..." - Rod Corkin

**spaceray** · 09-01-2003, 08:28 PM

Look, Beethoven is Beethoven and Handel is Handel ,I think Henry Purcell was the greatest thing to ever happen to English Music and it is a real shame about the Nymphs and Shepherds lyrics that the poor fellow had to set.But I doubt that he would make it on to any top ten list.There was a lot of music before Beethoven and there is plenty after and it all has it's place .The idea that one of the great composers
are "worse' than another is absolutely ridiculous.
In the words of Gurn Blanston "I know I'm right about this"

**bernardc** · 09-01-2003, 10:52 PM

Of course people have their favourites! It's a bit like choosing your close friends and your one best friend. Beethoven is my no 1 though I'd be wary of saying he is objectively the greatest composer ever...

That said, there's no doubt he is to ME!!

Schubert and Mozart would be close behind him and the Baroque masters (Bach, Handel) following on. I would then think of Haydn and perhaps Chopin.

The other composers on the list I can listen to pleasurably but with no consistent passion.

Announcement

Top 20 composers

Top 20 composers

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment