what do you think is the best classical music composition?

Question

I think its a tie between Schubert's quintet in C and Mozart's requiem. What do you think and why?

Answer 1

Mozart's Requiem is bloody amazing.

But I think it's the 9th symphony by Beethoven. And THAT'S a close tie with the 7th. Hey the 9th has everything -- a reflection of the motifs from his previous 8 symphonies --- like the strength from the Eroica and the 5th. And it foreshadows Wagnerian opera. It's got a chorus in a symphony for Christ's sake. And he was completely deaf when he wrote it.

It's hard to debate between Mozart and Beethoven -- like choosing between two kids! They are both so perfect -- one elegant and cherubic, the other earthy and meaty. And no matter how many times you listen -- as with a great jazz composition -- you hear something new each time.

Answer 2

Solo - Schubert Arpegionne Sonata (sp?)
Duo - Mozart Duo in G for Violin and Viola
Trio - Beethoven for Flute Violin and Viola
Quartet - Beethoven Razumovsky Quartets
String Orchestra - Barber Adagio for Strings
Symphony Orchestra - Respighi Pini di Roma
Chorus/Orchestra - Orff Carmina Burana

Answer 3

If there has to be one, I would say.....

Mozart's Jupiter Symphony (#41 in C).

To my knowledge it is the first "cyclical" symphony -- i.e. the same theme turns up in every movement.

But the last movement is a bit of contrpuntal "sleight-of-hand" if you will. All of the themes are played against eachother in the coda -- 5 voice double invertible counterpoint. It is simply amazing. And equally amazing is the way thet he keeps the energy level so high throughout -- I get exhausted just listening to it.

The best performance I have heard is conducted by Sir Colin Davis, I believe the orchestra is the London Phil. It is (or was) on the Phillips lable.

Answer 4

Both great choices, but as a single work I would have to say that Mozarts Opera Don Giovanni is perhaps the most remarkable musical work of art ever created.
Right there with it has to be Beethoven's Symphony No.9 -these are works that are sublime and the height of human creation.
There are many such pieces, but these stand out.

Answer 5

This is soooo tough!!! but I'd have to say Mozart's "The Magic Flute." This amazing work of genius truely is a gift to humanity. The music and the opera itself are a combination of the wimsical, the human, and the spiritual. You get it all in this opera - Mozart's great sense of humor shines through in the music, there are spiritual moments that trancend this world, and the music contains so much tenderness and humanity. I love this piece and come back to it time and time again. :-)

Answer 6

All are great selections. I move for Beethoven's 4th and 5th piano concerti, Mozart's 20th piano concerto (k466), very under-appreciated. A Chopin Waltz (C# minor, I think), also under-appreciated. Finally, Lenin allegedly said that he could not have gone on with the revolution if he persisted in listening to the Appassionata sonata. Quel dommage.

Isn't it great that we have so many wonderful choices?

Answer 7

It is quite difficult to limit it to one piece. That being said, I would have to classify Beethoven's late string quartets (particularly op. 130 - 133), as the greatest, most transcendent music of all time. Written when Beethoven was completely deaf, it encompasses the highest level of musical consciousness achieved by any composer...in my humble opinion. Although these works may not be as popular as some of the other works mentioned above, they more than make up for their lack of "popularity", with its superior complexity and innovation. Then again...I'm sure the other answers are no more or less right then mine.

Answer 8

I have to admit I'm a sucker for the 1812 Overture. I like it mainly because of the story it tells. And I like Tchaikovsky's stuff

But I love the Requiem too. Especially the Lacrimosa.

Answer 9

Appalachian Spring by Aaron Copland, for the last twenty years, has continued to play uninterrupted in my head, and hopefully will never end.

Answer 10

Mozart requium