Your Three Favorite Composers

[Mirror Image]

Since many have also added a second list:

Mahler, Rachmaninov, Johann Strauss.

Those that add a second list don't understand, or care, what I asked of them in my initial post.

[PaulR]

1. Shostakovich
2. Musorgsky
3. Weinberg

[Mirror Image]

You've made wise decision, my friend! Ravel's music is head-and-shoulders above Strauss' IMO.

+1 I would go as far to say there's not even a contest.

[Mirror Image]

1. Shostakovich
2. Musorgsky
3. Weinberg

I figured you would pick these composers, Paul. You're so predictable.

[Sergeant Rock]

Those that add a second list don't understand, or care, what I asked of them in my initial post.

Oh my...the irony 

When the OP asked for a single concert you'd like to conduct, how many concerts did you list in that thread, John?    When the OP asked for five unsung works, how many did you list, John? 

Sarge

[Mirror Image]

Oh my...the irony 

When the OP asked for a single concert you'd like to conduct, how many concerts did you list in that thread, John?    When the OP asked for five unsung works, how many did you list, John? 

Sarge

Fair enough!

In the thread 'five unsung works,' I don't remember the OP specifying how many lists we could make.

But, I just think it's interesting that some people can't make up their minds about which three composers are their absolute favorites. Shows the difficulty of this thread.

[Sergeant Rock]

But, I just think it's interesting that some people can't make up their minds about which three composers are their absolute favorites. Shows the difficulty of this thread.

All of us have given you a primary three. But it is ridiculous trying to keep the choices down to just three composers when we're talking about a thousand years of music and thousands of composers. It may be easy for you (your range is relatively limited) but most of us have much broader taste.

Sarge

[dbrcarson]

First is Brahms.

Second is a tie between Beethoven and Rachmaninov; for purposes of this thread I'll break the tie with Beethoven. His harmony is not as interesting as Rachmaninov's sometimes, but overall I think when push comes to shove I'm almost certain to enjoy a work by Beethoven, whereas with Rachmaninov is a little more hit or miss for me.

Third is Bach. I wasn't sure between him and Telemann or Handel, but his music is more enduring than either of these two masters (surprising, because Telemann and Handel were both waaay more popular for their compositions than Bach was during their time, Telemann especially for his many ouverture-suites).

But Brahms has been my number one for as long as I can remember. I think his music is as enduring as Bach's, if not more, because he studied the older master so thoroughly. Nobody's music moves me in such an inexpressible, unspeakable way like his does.

[Mirror Image]

 
All of us have given you a primary three. But it is ridiculous trying to keep the choices down to just three composers when we're talking about a thousand years of music and thousands of composers. It may be easy for you (your range is relatively limited) but most of us have much broader taste.

Sarge

I never said that picking three composers wasn't going to a difficult task, but I'm grateful to read that it was no problem for many members. A list like this, if nothing else, lets me, and others, see what composers really are next to a member's heart and that, in the end, is all that matters to me. I'm simply trying to get to know my fellow members better and the only way to do this effectively is to push them into a corner.

[Karl Henning]

First is Brahms.

Second is a tie between Beethoven and Rachmaninov; for purposes of this thread I'll break the tie with Beethoven. His harmony is not as interesting as Rachmaninov's sometimes, but overall I think when push comes to shove I'm almost certain to enjoy a work by Beethoven, whereas with Rachmaninov is a little more hit or miss for me.

Third is Bach. I wasn't sure between him and Telemann or Handel, but his music is more enduring than either of these two masters (surprising, because Telemann and Handel were both waaay more popular for their compositions than Bach was during their time, Telemann especially for his many ouverture-suites.

But Brahms has been my number one for as long as I can remember. I think his music is as enduring as Bach's, if not more, because he studied the older master so thoroughly. Nobody's music moves me in such an inexpressible, unspeakable way like his does.

Nice post, thank you.

[kyjo]

I figured you would pick these composers, Paul. You're so predictable.

Yeah, unlike you!

[kyjo]

+1 I would go as far to say there's not even a contest.

I would go that far as well.

[Mirror Image]

Yeah, unlike you!

[mc ukrneal]

Since it seems this favorite three (and not desert Island), I will go with:

Offenbach (has everything - depth, melody, stories)
Grainger (I hum/sing this music every single day - can't imagine life without him)
Brahms (not only do i love his individuality, but he has enough of other composers in him to satisfy those cravings as well)

But if it WERE desert island (today), I'd go with Mozart, Donizetti, and Schubert. This is not two lists - but the answer to two different questions.

[Mirror Image]

Since it seems this favorite three (and not desert Island), I will go with:

Offenbach (has everything - depth, melody, stories)
Grainger (I hum/sing this music every single day - can't imagine life without him)
Brahms (not only do i love his individuality, but he has enough of other composers in him to satisfy those cravings as well)

But if it WERE desert island (today), I'd go with Mozart, Donizetti, and Schubert. This is not two lists - but the answer to two different questions.

Thanks for the feedback, Neal. I didn't realize you loved Offenbach's music this much, but I've probably read many of your posts regarding this composer, I just couldn't remember.

[PaulR]

I figured you would pick these composers, Paul. You're so predictable.

I almost put Schumann, Schubert, Verdi, Schnittke, or Berlioz as #3.  1-2 are the clear top 2, 3-7 are almost interchangeable.

[Sammy]

I'm simply trying to get to know my fellow members better......

Does this mean you're going to show up at my front door in the near future?

[Sammy]

Those that add a second list don't understand, or care, what I asked of them in my initial post.

Only with a real poll can you control the parameters of the thread's intent.

[Mirror Image]

Does this mean you're going to show up at my front door in the near future?

If I lived in Albuquerque, then I wouldn't mind hanging out with you.

[Sammy]

If I lived in Albuquerque, then I wouldn't mind hanging out with you.

You're always welcome in my home.  Just let me know your preferred hard drink before ringing my doorbell.  I've got two extra bedrooms, and my dogs love having guests.