[scratchgolf]

Fantastic thread. I will explore a few of those unfamiliar words soon, but I'm quite confident in Mahler, Bruckner, Schubert, Sibelius, Dvorak, and Mendelssohn being nearly unquestionable to the discerning ear.

 

[scratchgolf]

I don't think I can bear RVW when the weather is cold. Tchaikovsky and Glazunov, on the other hand, are quite nice in the winter months. I'll plan accordingly.

 

[scratchgolf]

I think Sibelius 5 is his masterpiece. I sometimes think God put Sibelius on earth specifically so he could compose No.5.

Prokofiev also had a special place in his heart for his No.5. He made sure it was his Opus 100 (a very grand number) and I believe he saved up themes he had developed possibly much earlier to compose one of his masterpieces.

Tchaikovsky 5, IMO, is his greatest symphony as well. It carries weight but has heart melting lyricism as well as heroic moments.

I'm listening to Bruckner 5 now. I've never been a huge Bruckner fan, and admittedly have only really listened to a few of his works. I can see why people have recently said it is their favorite. It is making S big impact on me right now.

Bravo! May I humbly suggest Celibidache as a free option for Bruckner 5? In return I accept your glowing review of Prokofiev 5 as an invitation. Do you have a preferred version? One on youtube?