What is your favorite single note in classical music?

Question

Mine is the one in Mahler Symphony No. 7, Mvt 3. Where the string section is directed to "pluck so hard that the strings hit the wood." It's a cool sound.

How about yours?

Not a specific frequency or sound, but one in the context of a specific piece of music.

Answer 1

c sharp

edit - I'm not familiar with the Mahler piece but I do like pizzicato passages, so I will have to investigate it.

I like the really fast section in the second movement of the Symphony No. 3 (1995) by Phillip Glass, particularly after having seen it performed live by a 19 piece string ensemble. I know, that's minimalism rather than classical, please forgive me. But that same movement also features some pizzicato work as well (and it comes through much better live than on a CD).

Going back to the literalism of a single note though, seeing 2'33" by John Cage performed live is very intriguing.

There was something very percussive by Christopher Rouse that I also like, Der Geretette Alberich or something like that.

Answer 2

The Mahler is right up there, but I'd have to give my vote to Berlioz. In the final movement of the Symphonie Fantastique, the violins are instructed to play with the backs of the bow. It's heck on the finish, but what a sound!

Answer 3

E Flat - lol, because of Chopin's Nocturne (Nocturne In E Flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2)

Answer 4

John Rutter's Gloria; 2nd movement, pianissimo soprano entrance on "Qui" after tutti fortissimo...

Answer 5

When utilized correctly, I like those off notes, it like they expound on a combination of notes together. I think there a name for this, but, not sure what it called. But, it is cool.

Answer 6

A sharp/ B flat... the tuning note! Hmmmmmmmm.........
It means things are about to start!!!!