Did anyone spot the non-deliberate mistake in my posting? The last tinkle of the 4th Symphony is on the celesta not the glockenspiel.

Sometimes the two instruments sound so alike that I have serious trouble deciding which one I hear.

Nos. 2, 3, and 4.

Just kidding!!

Another tough question, but for me, it's a toss up between 1, 5, and 10. If I had to rate them, my preference is:

5, 1, 10, 9, 7, 8, 6, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 4, 3, 2. I know it looks like I'm just counting down numbers, but honestly, I think I've heard Nos. 11-15 one time a piece, and 2, 3, and 4 are not my favorites at all.

So to sum up my preference: 5, 1, 10, 9, 7, and 8. 6 doesn't do much for me either way.

Why such a fascination with the 5th, really?

Not certain why No. 5 is most popular, but it seems to be the most audience friendly and most easily accessible. No. 9 is probably a bit more audience friendly, however sometimes I feel that it's a little too "light" and lacks the depth in which one can be accustomed in the other great Shostakovich symphonies.

Perhpas it's the old "adversity and the overcoming of obstacles with triumph" that makes No. 5 so popular and inviting.

One more observation about No. 5....

It's been a little while since I listened to it, so I decided to play it. The ending of the 1st movement is absolutely haunting. I personally cannot find writing like that in any of the other symphonies. Yes, the 4 minute Allegro of the 10th symphony or even the 3rd movement of the 8th are well written and exciting, but the orchestration gets me in the ending of that first movement in No. 5 every time.

What is it --- the part I'm thinking about near the end starts out with a low flute solo, moves to the piccolo, then solo violin, all in a state of tonal flux with harp. Meanwhile the trumpets and timpani are ominously tapping out D minor in the background? All of this over the deep sostenuto strings. And what about the celesta (or is it just bells)?

Awesome.

It was written to be sarcastic, I read. Often, you don't know whether it's jubilation or irony dancing around a Shostakovich symphony. That's what makes them confusing sometimes.

I really do like the 5th. It's just that I like some others much better. But then, it's solely a matter of personal taste. No point discussing that, isn't that so?

I'm still quite new to the man and I only have 3 of his synpmphonies,10(now playing),11 and recently 15. 11 is the first of his symphonies I heard(borrowed it from the library and went and bought the same transcription(Mariss Jansons). It gets my vote,but I need to find more.

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Although not my personal favourite, I'm glad to see Number 11 getting some action, that's a fine work as well.

I am just now beginning to explore more of Shostakovich's under-rated late symphonies, namely 12 and 15. Now if I can begin to enjoy 13 and 14.

I got 15 free with BBCMusic mag a while back, but havent had chance to give it much of a hearing yet, and Shost. needs time(altho I knew I loved 11 as soon as I heard it.)

Symphony No. 10 is Shostakovich's greatest Symphony. But, I also love #1,#4,#5,#6,#7,#8,#9,#11,#12,#13,#14and #15. I cannot listen to #2 and #3, because I find them irritating and uninspired.

I want to listen to them all now. I have an addictive personality and its annoying that I cant listen to these works!(Also Prokofiev, must find some of his works)

Wow, I'm somewhat shocked to see that the Eighth wasn't included in the poll as it's one of my absolute favorites...by anyone! It has to be one of the most powerful symphonic expressions of the entire twentieth century.

9, because it is not over the top.

(Plus it is cute, and it quotes the Ring Cycle... dunno if it is on purpose)