The NY Times had an article last weekend about the Greatest Classical Composers:
The article didn’t really list the Greatest Composers as much as it encouraged you to create your own “top ten.” The writer realizes that there is not a definitive list, and everyone would have his own picks.
Huh? You mean Bach isn't everyone’s number one pick?
Well, anyway, here’s my list:
1) Bach – There are too many of his compositions to name. The Brandenburg Concerti, “Sleepers Wake”, “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring”, any of his Minuets, “A Mighty Fortress is our God”, any of his Fugues for Organ. I think my favorite work of Bach’s is his “Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major”. That will bring tears to your eyes, it’s so beautiful. Bach’s Toccatas are my least favorite of his works.
2) Handel – The first cd I ever bought (back in the late 80’s) was Handel’s Water Music. That cd had his Fireworks Music too, which is just as good as the Water Music. I love his Concerti Grosso and you may have heard of his Suites for Keyboard which are lovely. When things get hectic at work, I pull out the Suites for Keyboard. Works every time.
3) William Boyce – He’s English Baroque. Oh, my goodness: I love his Eight Symphonies. Get thee to iTunes and download thee “Trevor Pinnock’s 8 Symphonies – The English Concert.” It will soon become your favorite! Funny story: When I used to listen to cd's at work, my cd player "disappeared" twice... and both times the 8 Symphonies cd was in it. I've had to replace that cd not once, but twice!
4) Mozart – Who doesn’t like Mozart? He’s so perky! His Prague Symphony and Jupiter Symphony are so upbeat. On the other hand, his Piano Concerto that most know as “Elvira Madigan” is so soothing. I like Mozart operas too. They are so light hearted! Finally, his Horn Concerti are good. (I love brass!)
5) Albinoni – Once when I bought Vivaldi’s cd of the Four Seasons, it came with Albinoni’s “Adagio for Strings and Organ in G Minor” Oh my goodness. Literally, it is music to my ears.
6) Corelli – It would not be Christmas without Corelli’s “Christmas Concerto.”
7) Strauss – I used to love playing Strauss Waltzes on the piano. “The Blue Danube”, “Roses from the South”, “Tales from the Vienna Woods!” I’m sure my family was thinking, “Enough is enough!” We saw Strauss' statue in Vienna. It was the only gold statue in the park, which is a sign of how revered Strauss is in Austria.
8) Chopin – I love piano music.
Well, I can’t think of any more right now, but as the writer mentioned: the exercise is a good one and gets you thinking.
