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Top 20 Classical Music Symphonies
11. Symphony in D Minor - Cesar Franck (1888)
I don’t have the energy to write reviews right now, but this is an astounding work of late-romantic sublimity.
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Top 20 Classical Music Symphonies
12. Symphony No. 3 in E Flat, “Eroica” - Ludwig van Beethoven (1904)
As arguably one of the top 2 most influential symphonies of all time, the Eroica symphony is one of Beethoven’s greatest pieces ever. As the true transition of the Classical to the Romantic era, Eroica is daring, intense, emotional, and quite progressive for its time. It’s also an extremely easy listen.
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Top 20 Classical Music Symphonies
13. Symphony No. 2 in C Minor - Alexander Scriabin (1901)
It’s daring, it’s progressive, it’s romantic, it’s modern. Such a melting pot of characteristic Scriabin. He’s really in his own league of post romantic Russian symbolism.
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Top 20 Classical Music Symphonies
14. Symphonie Fantastique - Hector Berlioz (1830)
Elegant, proper, sprightly, clean. Just the name exudes sophistication; however, Berlioz’ masterpiece is great without being too showy. It’s the perfect early-romantic piece and extremely characteresque. It’s also very structured in its storytelling, and I love it!
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Top 20 Classical Music Symphonies
15. Symphony No. 8 in E Flat, “Symphony of a Thousand” - Gustav Mahler (1906)
Probably the most bombastic of all symphonies on the list. Mahler’s Symphony of a Thousand is a superior example of classic romanticism inspired by Gothic works. You just don’t get any bigger than this in terms of scope. Not nearly as “sophisticated” as some of his other works, and lacks the passion that Resurrection has, but this is some quality symphony.
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Top 20 Classical Music Symphonies
16. Symphony No. 6 in F Major, “Pastoral” - Ludwig van Beethoven (1808)
Symphonically, Beethoven can do no wrong. His nine symphonies are all great, but I’ve only three on my list here today. His Pastoral is that perfect blend of romanticism and classicism. It’s dramatic and nationalistic and all fun post-realist sounds and tones. Sadly I’m not including his 5th symphony because I haven’t engrossed myself with it. But 6th time’s the charm.
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Top 20 Classical Music Symphonies
17. Symphony No. 4 in E Minor - Johannes Brahms (1885)
I don’t love the composer, but I love this piece. Transcends his own genius. He’s certainly not my favorite composer, but there’s something about this symphony that’s full, illuminating, almost desperate, and very romantic (even with all his Classical influences).
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Top 20 Classical Music Symphonies
18. Symphony No. 41 in C Minor, “Jupiter” - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1788)
It’s got color, life, exuberance, and spirit. Like most Mozart pieces, tightly controlled and elegant, with some playful emotions. There’s also a level of striking maturity that only came with time. His best, and last.
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Top 20 Classical Music Symphonies
19. Symphony No. 6 in A Minor, “Tragic” - Gustav Mahler (1903)
Traditional, sensational, nationalistic, romantic, elegant. Sounds like a revolutionary war-piece to me!
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Top 20 Classical Music Symphonies
20. Symphony No. 2 in E Minor - Sergei Rachmaninoff (1907)
Intense, dramatic, and emotive; all the best qualities of Rachmaninoff himself.
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