Alwyn - Lyra Angelica

Lyra Angelica is a concerto for harp and string orchestra from 1954 by the British composer William Alwyn (1905 - 1985). It is probably his best known composition, certainly after the American figure skater Michelle Kwan performed to it at the 1998 Winter Olympics.  Alwyn stated his aim in writing this work as trying to sustain in the listener a "rapt mood ... by interweaving the solo harp and strings into a continuous web of luminous sound." At this aim the concerto is very successful. It is a full-length work of symphonic proportions, eminently listenable and inspiring. The work is in four movements and the average playing time is 24 minutes (AllMusic). To my taste it is the best harp concerto ever composed. My version is by Rachel Masters and the City of London Sinfonia under Richard Hickox on a Chandos CD).

Arnold - Symphony No. 9

Symphony No. 9, op. 128 was completed in 1986 by British composer Malcolm Arnold (1921 - 2006). It was the last - and most unusual - of his symphonies. The last movement is as long as the previous three together and is very sparsely scored and bleak. Shades of Mahler and echoes of Tchaikovsky's Pathetique. It took me quite a while to get to grips with this symphony, because it is so different from the rest of his oeuvre, but in the end I appreciate it more than anything else he composed. The average playing time is 48 minutes (AllMusic). My version is by the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland under Andrew Penny on a Naxos CD).

Bach - Cello Suites

The six cello suites, BVW 1007-1012, were completed around 1720 by German composer Johann Sebastian Bach (1865 - 1750). As usual in a Baroque musical suite, after the prelude which begins each suite, all the other movements are based around baroque dance types. For more information, see the Wikipedia entry. Although they all have individual BWV identifications, they are usually recorded as a set, and that's how I listen to them. Therefore I've decided to group them as one entry.  The complete set lasts typically over two hours. I have three versions (not counting seven transcribed for other instruments, from viola to tuba), of which I have a slight preference for the recording by Maurice Gendron on a Philips (reissued on Decca) double CD.

Bach - Ich Habe Genug

Ich habe genug, BWV 82, is a church cantata completed in 1727 by German composer Johann Sebastian Bach (1865 - 1750). Of the 200+ Bach cantatas that are known, this one for bass without choir is my favourite. The aria "Schlummert ein, ihr matten Augen" reaches the same dazzling heights as the most beautiful parts of his passions. The cantata is in five movements (details in the WikiPedia entry), and the average playing time is 23 minutes (AllMusic). I have two versions, both great, but I have a clear preference for the one by Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau with the Munich Bach Orchestra under Karl Richter on a Deutsche Grammophon/Archive CD).

Bach - St John Passion

The St John Passion, also known as Passio secundum Joannem or Johannes-Passion, BWV 245, is a Passion oratorio completed in 1724 by German composer Johann Sebastian Bach (1865 - 1750). It is the oldest of the two surviving Passions. Compared with the St Matthew Passion, the St John Passion has been described as more extravagant, with an expressive immediacy, at times more unbridled and less "finished" (Wikipedia). General opinion (and mine as well) is that the St Matthew is overall the more impressive work, but there are so many gems in the St John as well that it fully deserves to be include in my list of favourites. The average playing time is one hour and 47 minutes (AllMusic). I have six versions of this work, with a slight preference for the one by the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra under Ton Koopman with a selection of soloists on an Erato double CD.

Bach - St Matthew Passion

The St Matthew Passion, also known as Passio secundum Matthæum or Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244, is a Passion oratorio completed in 1727 by German composer Johann Sebastian Bach (1865 - 1750). It is the most famous of the two surviving Passions. Spell-binding from start to finish, with one gorgeous melody after another, and full of drama - this is my favourite piece by my favourite composer, and definitely in my top 10 masterpieces of classical music. The average playing time is  two hours and 40 minutes (AllMusic). I have eight versions of this work, with a preference for the one by the Munich Bach Orchestra under Karl Richter with a selection of soloists on a Deutsche Grammophon/Archiv triple CD.

Bach - The Well-Tempered Clavier

The Well-Tempered Clavier, BWV 846–893, is a collection of two sets of preludes and fugues in all 24 major and minor keys, composed in 1722 for solo keyboard by German composer Johann Sebastian Bach (1865 - 1750). In Bach's time Clavier (keyboard) was a generic name indicating a variety of keyboard instruments, most typically a harpsichord or clavichord – but not excluding an organ. It is a fascinating tour de force, and stands out even in Bach's impressive oeuvre for keyboard. The collection is generally regarded as being among the most important works in the history of classical music. The complete work lasts typically four hours and 30 minutes. I have two versions of this work, one on piano, one on harpsichord, with a clear preference for the piano one by András Schiff on a Decca/London quadruple CD.

Bach - Toccata and Fugue

The Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565, is a composition for organ of unknown date by German composer Johann Sebastian Bach (1865 - 1750). It is probably the most played and best known piece of organ music, with numerous appearances in movies as well. Over-familiar and over-played - yet still a treat every time I hear it. I selected it also for this list as a representative for that marvelous body of work that is Bach's output for the organ. The average playing time is 9 minutes (AllMusic). I have about a dozen versions, of which I prefer the one by Peter Hurford from the complete organ works in a  17 CD's box on Decca/London.

Barber - Knoxville: Summer of 1915

Knoxville: Summer of 1915 is a work for voice and orchestra (or chamber orchestra) from 1947 by American composer Samuel Barber (1910 - 1981). The text is from a 1938 short prose piece by James Agee. Although the piece is traditionally sung by a soprano, it may also be sung by tenor. This beautiful piece is a poetic evocation of life in a hot summer as seen from the perspective of a small boy. The work is in one movement, and is described in detail in its Wikipedia entry. The average playing time is 16 minutes (AllMusic). I came across this gem when exploring Dawn Upshaw's discography in the early nineties after attending a recital by her in Chicago. It was my first encounter with Barber other than his famous Adagio for strings - many more compositions followed though. My version is by Dawn Upshaw and the Orchestra of St. Luke's under David Zinman on a Nonesuch CD.

Bax - Cello Concerto

This Cello Concerto was completed in 1932 by British composer Arnold Bax (1883 - 1953). The soundscape created in this work is similar to that of his seven symphonies, with the cello integrated very well. A beautiful concerto, for me the third best in the genre (after Moeran and Finzi, but well ahead of the more famous ones by Dvořák and Elgar). The average playing time is 34 minutes (AllMusic). My version is by Raphael Wallfisch and the London Philharmonic Orchestra under Bryden Thomson on a Chandos CD.

Bax - November Woods

November Woods is a tone poem completed in 1917 by British composer Arnold Bax (1883 - 1953). Of his many tone poems, this may not be the most famous, but for me it is the best. Bax stated that the piece "may be taken as an impression of the dank and stormy music of nature in the late autumn, but the whole piece and its origins are connected with certain rather troublous experiences I was going through myself at the time...." The average playing time is 18 minutes (AllMusic). My version is by the Ulster Orchestra under Bryden Thomson on a Chandos CD.

Bax - Tintagel

Tintagel is a tone poem completed in 1919 by British composer Arnold Bax (1883 - 1953). It is clearly his most famous tone poem, and also in my opinion one of the best. Bax stated that the piece "is intended to evoke...the castle-crowned cliff of Tintagel, and more particularly the wide distances of the Atlantic as seen from the cliffs of Cornwall on a sunny but not windless summer day." The average playing time is 14 minutes (AllMusic). My version is by the Ulster Orchestra under Bryden Thomson on a Chandos CD.

Bax - Violin Concerto

This Concerto for Violin and Orchestra was completed in 1937 by British composer Arnold Bax (1883 - 1953). In contrast to most of his orchestral output, his final concerto is a relatively sunny piece. The lay-out is traditional, in three movements with a Rondo as the third, and there are some Irish influences in the melodies. The average playing time is 33 minutes (AllMusic). My version is by the Ulster Orchestra under Bryden Thomson on a Chandos CD.

Beethoven - String Quartet No. 14

 

 

String Quartet No. 14 in C♯ minor, Op. 131, was completed in 1826 by German composer Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 - 1827). It is one of the six late string quartets composed in his final years, a string of works generally seen as among the best string quartets ever. I love them all, but the 14th has just that little bit extra. The average playing time is 39 minutes (AllMusic). My version is by the Quartetto Italiano on a Philips CD.

Beethoven - Symphony No. 6 "Pastoral"

Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68, also known as the Pastoral Symphony, was completed in 1808 by German composer Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 - 1827). The symphony has five, rather than the four movements typical of symphonies preceding Beethoven's time. Beethoven wrote a programmatic title at the beginning of each movement (see Wiki for more details). It tends to divide classical music lovers, some put it near the bottom of his nine symphonies, some near the top. For me it is clearly his best symphony, and even his best work altogether. The average playing time is 40 minutes (AllMusic). My version is by the Berlin Philharmonic under Herbert von Karajan on a Deutsche Grammophon CD (seventies series).

Beethoven - Violin Concerto

The Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61, was completed in 1806 by German composer Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 - 1827). After an unsuccessful first performance, the work languished in obscurity, until revived in 1844 by Joseph Joachim. Since then it has become one of the best-known violin concertos. For me personally it is his best concerto, and definitely in the top 10 of the violin concerto genre.  The average playing time is 43 minutes (AllMusic). My version is by Arthur Grimiaux and the Royal Concertgebouw orchestra under Edo de Waart on a Philips CD.

Berg - Violin Concerto

The Violin Concerto was completed in 1935 by Austrian composer Alban Berg (1885 - 1935). It is dedicated "To the memory of an angel", referring to the death by polio of 18-year-old Manon Gropius, the daughter of Alma Mahler. This composition is generally seen as one of the easiest to start exploring the atonal world of Schoenberg and his disciples (of which Berg was a prominent one), and indeed its haunting beauty opened the gates for me to that world of sounds. The concerto is in two movements, each divided into two sections, as described in detail in the Wikipedia entry. The average playing time is 26 minutes (AllMusic). I have three versions, of which I would choose the one by Gidon Kremer and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra under Colin Davis on a Philips CD.

Berlioz - Symphonie Fantastique

Symphonie fantastique (Épisode de la vie d'un artiste … en cinq parties), in English "Fantastical Symphony: Episode in the Life of an Artist … in Five Sections", is a program symphony from 1830 by the French composer Hector Berlioz (1803 - 1869). Leonard Bernstein described the symphony as the first musical expedition into psychedelia because of its hallucinatory and dream-like nature, and because history suggests Berlioz composed at least a portion of it under the influence of opium. More than any other work, I think this symphony started the romantic movement in classical music. The symphony is in five movements, which are extensively described in the Wiki article. The average playing time is 49 minutes (AllMusic). I have two versions, of which I have a slight preference for the Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal under Charles Dutoit on a Decca/London CD.

Brahms - A German Requiem

A German Requiem (German: Ein Deutsches Requiem), Op. 45, was completed in 1868 by German composer Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897). It is a large-scale work for chorus, orchestra, a soprano and a baritone soloist, comprising seven movements. As the title states, is a Requiem in the German language rather than following the traditional Latin texts.The work had its emotional roots in the death of the composer's mother a few years earlier. The average playing time is 65 minutes (AllMusic). I have several versions, and have a preference for the one by the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and Prague Philharmonic Chorus under Giuseppe Sinopoli, with Lucia Popp and Wolfgang Brendel, on a Deutsche Grammophon CD.

Brahms - Clarinet Quintet

The Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op. 115, was completed in 1891 by German composer Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897). It is scored for a clarinet in A with a string quartet. When Clara Schumann first heard this quintet, she wrote: "It is a really marvelous work, the wailing clarinet takes hold of one; it is most moving. And what interesting music, deep and full of meaning!" This beautiful autumnal piece is widely seen as one of the highlights of the entire chamber music repertoire, and for me it is even a candidate for the #1 position in that genre. The average playing time is 37 minutes (AllMusic). My version is by Keith Puddy and the Delmé String quartet on a HMP Classics CD.

Brahms - Piano Quartet No. 1

The Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25, was completed in 1861 by German composer Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897). Not an instant favourite by any means, the work's reputation has continued to grow, especially the final Rondo, where Brahms channels both quirky and sentimental Hungarian themes in his inimitable way, one of his best creations. One does get the feeling overall that there is a symphony waiting to break out of this piano quartet - no wonder Schoenberg orchestrated it. The average playing time is 39 minutes (AllMusic). My version is by Domus on a Virgin Classics CD.

Brahms - Piano Quartet No. 3

The Piano Quartet No. 3 in C minor, Op. 60, was completed in 1875 by German composer Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897).  It is sometimes called the Werther Quartet after Goethe's The Sorrows of Young Werther. It took Brahms over 20 years to finish this very personal work, in which his impossible love for Clara Schumann shines through. This a resigned masterpiece, one of the best chamber music works by one of the best chamber music composers. The average playing time is 34 minutes (AllMusic). My version is by Domus on a Virgin Classics CD.

Brahms - String Quintet No. 1

The String Quintet No. 1 in F major, op. 88, was completed in 1882 by German composer Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897). It is a three movements work, scored for string quartet with a second viola. Brahms described the quintet to his friend Clara Schumann as "one of [his] finest works" and told Simrock, "You have never before had such a beautiful work from me." Indeed, it is a gem. The average playing time is 27 minutes (AllMusic). My version is by Members of the Berlin Philharmonic Octet on a Philips Classics CD.

Brahms - String Sextet No. 2

The String Sextet No. 2 in G major, Op. 36, was completed in 1865 by German composer Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897). It is a four movements work, and scored for two violins, two violas, and two celli. This sextet is a highly melodious work, at times hauntingly beautiful, at times beautifully haunting, and ending on a positive note. The average playing time is 38 minutes (AllMusic). My version is by the Raphael Ensemble on a Hyperion CD.

Brahms - Symphony No. 3

The Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90, was completed in 1884 by German composer Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897). It has become one of his most played works, and made numerous appearances in popular culture - I'll never forget the classic scene in Fawlty Towers where Basil Fawlty, when accused by his wife of "listening to that racket", famously responds "Racket!? That's Brahms! Brahms' third racket!" - mind you, that was about ten years before I started exploring classical music! The average playing time is 36 minutes (AllMusic). I have several versions, and have a slight preference for the one by the Berlin Philharmonic under Herbert von Karajan on a Deutsche Grammophon CD (Seventies series).

Brahms - Symphony No. 4

The Symphony No. 4 in F major, Op. 98, was completed in 1885 by German composer Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897). It is generally regarded as his best symphony and one of the best in the genre - and I agree with both statements. The fourth and last movement is notable as a rare example of a symphonic passacaglia,  The average playing time is 40 minutes (AllMusic). I have several versions, and have a slight preference for the one by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Georg Solti on a Decca.London CD.

Brahms - Violin Concerto

The Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77, was completed in 1878 by German composer Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897). It is dedicated to his friend and famous violinist Joseph Joachim.  Initial reactions were mixed, with some very negative ones from violinists of that time (Wieniawski called the work "unplayable"). With time it has been accepted as one of the main violin concertos of all time. The average playing time is 39 minutes (AllMusic). My version is by Arthur Grumiaux with the New Philharmonia Orchestra under Colin Davis on a Philips CD.

Britten - War Requiem

The War Requiem, Op. 66, is a large-scale setting of the Requiem completed in 1962 by British composer Benjamin Britten (1913 - 1967). The piece was performed for the consecration of the new Coventry Cathedral, which was built after the original fourteenth-century structure was destroyed in a World War II bombing raid. The traditional Latin texts are interspersed, in telling juxtaposition, with extra-liturgical poems by Wilfred Owen, written during World War I. The six-part work is scored for soprano, tenor and baritone soloists, chorus, boys' choir, organ, and two orchestras (a full orchestra and a chamber orchestra); for more details see the Wikipedia entry. The average playing time is 79 minutes (AllMusic). I have three versions, of which I have a preference for the original, by the London Symphony Orchestra and the Bach Choir under the composer, with Peter Pears, Galina Vishnevskaya, and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, on a Decca/London double CD.

Bruch - Violin Concerto No. 1

This violin concerto in G minor, Op. 26, was completed in 1866 by German composer Max Bruch (1838 - 1920). Although Bruch wrote two more violin concertos, this is the famous one that is often ranked among the most popular of all time. The focus on the first concerto frustrated Bruch, who once wrote: “I cannot listen to this concerto any more.” Fortunately, we can. The concerto is traditional in its three movement layout, and is full of wonderful melodies. The average playing time is 23 minutes (AllMusic). I have three versions, of which I have a preference for Arthur Grumiaux with the New Philharmonia Orchestra under Heinz Wallberg on a Philips CD.

Bruckner - Symphony No. 8

Symphony No. 8 in C minor was completed in 1890 by Austrian composer Anton Bruckner (1824 - 1896).  It is dedicated to the Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. This symphony is sometimes nicknamed "The Apocalyptic", but this was not a name Bruckner gave to the work himself. For many classical music lovers, this monumental work is Bruckner's best, but personally I think the 9th is even better. For the first time, the composer switched the usual sequence of scherzo and adagio, which has a refreshing effect. The adagio itself is surely one of the most beautiful movements ever composed, over 25 minutes of sheer bliss. The complete four movement work has an average playing time of 78 minutes (AllMusic). I have eight versions, of which I have a slight preference for the Vienna Philharmonic under Pierre Boulez on a Deutsche Grammophon CD.

Bruckner - Symphony No. 9

Symphony No. 9 in D minor is the last symphony on which Austrian composer Anton Bruckner (1824 - 1896) worked, leaving the last movement incomplete at the time of his death in 1896. Bruckner dedicated it "to the beloved God" (in German, dem lieben Gott). Recently attempts have been made to construct a fourth movement based on Bruckner's notes (see Wikipedia for details), but frankly I don't like the result at all. Quite the opposite: : the symphony is perfect as it is, in its three movements, and especially having the beautiful Adagio end with a whispered coda, suggesting a glimpse of heaven. Unfinished and all, this is a clear top 10 composition for me. The three movements work's average playing time is 61 minutes (AllMusic). I have thirteen versions, of which I have a preference for the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra under Bernard Haitink on a Philips CD.

Chopin - Three Nocturnes, Opus 9

Three Nocturnes, Opus 9, is a set of piano pieces from 1832 written by Polish composer Frédéric Chopin (1810 - 1849). Although Chopin did not invent the nocturne, he popularized and expanded on it, building on the form developed by Irish composer John Field. This set of three was the first of many he published, and arguably the most famous set. The first in the set is simply gorgeous in its rich melodies, the even more melodious and very famous second is a perennial favourite (I used to play this on on the organ), the playful third is bittersweet. All three are great and different, and this set is my all-time favourite among compositions for piano solo. The average playing time is 17 minutes. My version is by Vladimir Ashkenazy on a Decca/London double CD.

Chopin - Two Nocturnes, Opus 27

Two Nocturnes, Opus 27, is a set of piano pieces from 1835 written by Polish composer Frédéric Chopin (1810 - 1849). This set marks the transition from triplets of nocturnes to contrasting pairs that Chopin would use from now on. The first one is amongst the most dramatic and highly regarded of the lot, with a haunting feeling of suspense, thrilling arpeggios, and fascinating mood swings. We are by now far away from the original examples of the genre - an absolute masterpiece. Its companion is based on variations on a single dreamy mood, deceptively simple, and a perfect contrast to the first nocturne in this set. The average playing time is 11 minutes. My version is by Vladimir Ashkenazy on a Decca/London double CD.

Debussy - Prélude à l'Après-midi d'un Faune

Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune, known in English as Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, is a symphonic poem for orchestra completed in 1894 by French composer Claude Debussy (1862 - 1918). The composition was inspired by a Stéphane Mallarmé poem. It is one of Debussy's most famous works and is considered a turning point in the history of music. Pierre Boulez considered the score to be the beginning of modern music, observing that "the flute of the faun brought new breath to the art of music." For me it was my first experience with Debussy, and it made a lasting impression. The average playing time is 10 minutes (AllMusic). My version is by the Berlin Philharmonic under Herbert von Karajan on a Deutsche Grammophon CD.

Dvořák - Symphony No. 9 "From the New World"

Symphony No. 9 in E minor "From the New World", Op. 95, was completed in 1893 by Czech composer Antonín Dvořák (1841 - 1904). At the time he was director of the National Conservatory of Music of America, and the Native American music and African-American spirituals he heard in the USA inspired him to this symphony. For more background, see the relevant Wikipedia entry. The symphony remains one of the most popular. It is a four movement work, including a particularly beautiful Largo movement, and the average playing time is 41 minutes (AllMusic). My version is by the Vienna Philharmonic under Herbert von Karajan on a Deutsche Grammophon CD.

Dvořák - String Quartet No. 12 "American"

String Quartet No. 12 "American", Op. 96, was completed in 1893 by Czech composer Antonín Dvořák (1841 - 1904). The nickname refers to the country where the composer was residing at the time, there are no clear influences of American music on the work. It has remained one of the most popular string quartets, and it is my favourite in the genre. The composition is in four movements and the average playing time is 25 minutes (AllMusic). I have three versions, of which I have a slight preference for the Vlach Quartet Prague on a Naxos CD.

Fauré - Requiem

This Requiem in D minor, Op. 48, was completed in 1900 by French composer Gabriel Fauré (1845 - 1924). The work is for two soloists, chorus and orchestra, and in seven movements. Compared to traditional Requiems, Fauré made several changes, most notably omitting the Dies Irae altogether. This makes his version stand out for its tranquil acceptance of death and life thereafter. This is my favourite Requiem, and hearing it life in the main church of Kampen was quite an experience. The average playing time is 36 minutes (AllMusic). I have a handful versions, of which I I have a slight preference for the one by the Members of the City of London Sinfonia and the Cambridge Singers under John Rutter on a Collegium CD.

Finzi - Cello Concerto

The Cello Concerto in A minor, Op 40, was completed in 1955 by British composer Gerald Finzi (1901 - 1956). It is a relatively conservative work, but intense, dramatic, and still full of beautiful melodies and passages. Personally, I rate this as the second best cello concerto after Moeran, well ahead of usual suspects like Dvorak and Elgar. The three movements work's average playing time is 39 minutes (AllMusic). My version is by Raphael Wallfisch and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra under Vernon Handley on a Chandos CD.

Finzi - Clarinet Concerto

The Concerto for Clarinet and String Orchestra in C minor, Op. 31, was completed in 1949 by British composer Gerald Finzi (1901 - 1956). It is a lovely sunny work that gives the clarinet every opportunity to shine. Personally, I rate this as the second best clarinet concerto after Mozart, ahead of usual suspects like Nielsen and Weber. The three movements work's average playing time is 28 minutes (AllMusic). My version is by Michael Collins and the City Of London Sinfonia under Richard Hickox on a Virgin Classics CD.

Franck - Violin Sonata

The Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano was completed in 1886 by Belgian/French composer César Franck (1822 - 1890). He composed this masterpiece as a wedding present for the 28-year-old Belgian violinist and composer Eugène Ysaÿe. It is my personal favourite under the violin sonatas, even outshining Brahms' sterling works. The average playing time is 28 minutes (AllMusic). I have two versions, of which I have a clear preference for Kyung Wha Chung and Radu Lupu on a Decca/London CD.

Górecki - Symphony No. 3 "Symphony of Sorrowful Songs"

Symphony No.3 "Symphony of Sorrowful Songs" was completed in 1976 by Polish composer Henryk Górecki (1933 - 2010). In 1992, 15 years after it was composed, a recording of this symphony with soprano Dawn Upshaw, released to commemorate the memory of those lost during the Holocaust, became a worldwide commercial and critical success. It sold more than a million copies. As surprised as anyone at its popularity, Górecki said, "Perhaps people find something they need in this piece of music [...] somehow I hit the right note, something they were missing. Something somewhere had been lost to them. I feel that I instinctively knew what they needed." I bought the aforementioned CD to see what the hype was all about, and I was blown away. I still regard this as one of my five most favourite symphonies. The work is in three movements, described in detail in the Wiki article and the average playing time is 54 minutes (AllMusic). I have two versions, of which I prefer the famous one by the London Sinfonietta under David Zinman with Dawn Upshaw on a Nonesuch CD.

Grieg - Holberg Suite

The Holberg Suite, Op. 40, more properly "From Holberg's Time", is an orchestral suite of five movements based on eighteenth century dance forms, written in 1885 by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg (1843 - 1907). It was originally composed for piano solo in 1884 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Dano-Norwegian humanist playwright Ludvig Holberg, and adapted for string orchestra one year later.  For more detailed information on the piece, see the Wikipedia entry.  The average playing time is 20 minutes (AllMusic). I have three versions, of which I have a slight preference for  the Australian Chamber Orchestra under Richard Tognetti on a BIS CD.

Jongen - Symphonie Concertante

The Symphonie Concertante for organ and orchestra was completed in 1926 by Belgian composer Joseph Jongen (1873 - 1953). It is a monumental work, considered by many to be among the greatest compositions ever written for organ and orchestra. It is certainly a personal favourite, far superior over any regular organ concerto. The work is in four movements and the average playing time is 37 minutes (AllMusic). I have three versions, of which I prefer Michael Murray with the San Francisco Symphony under Edo de Waart on a Telarc CD.

Mahler - Das Lied von der Erde

Das Lied von der Erde ("The Song of the Earth") is an unnumbered symphony for two voices and orchestra completed in 1909 by Austro-Bohemian composer Gustav Mahler (1860 - 1911). It comprises six movements, each featuring extensive vocals on texts derived from Chinese poetry, for two singers who alternate movements. Mahler specified that the two singers should be a tenor and an alto, or else a tenor and a baritone if an alto is not available. Mahler composed this work following the most painful period in his life, and the songs address themes such as those of living, parting and salvation. This is my favourite piece of music.The average playing time is 53 minutes (AllMusic).  I have over 50 recordings, not only of the combinations Mahler endorsed, but also multiple variations thereof. There are so many great recordings, but in the end I picked the first one I bought (which may well be the best one): Fritz Wunderlich and Christa Ludwig with the Philharmonia Orchestra under Otto Klemperer on an EMI CD.

Mahler - Kindertotenlieder

Kindertotenlieder (Songs on the Death of Children) is a song cycle for voice and orchestra completed in 1904 by Austro-Bohemian composer Gustav Mahler (1860 - 1911). The words of the five songs are poems by Friedrich Rückert. Music and texts form a heartbreaking unity throughout the cycle. Four years after the work had been completed Mahler's daughter Maria died of scarlet fever, aged four. Mahler wrote to Guido Adler: "I placed myself in the situation that a child of mine had died. When I really lost my daughter, I could not have written these songs any more." Listening to them in a good performance is a chilling but immensely rewarding experience. It is my favourite song cycle of all time. The average playing time is 24 minutes (AllMusic). I have dozens of recordings, both by male and female singers, but there is one that will always stand out for me: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau with the Berlin Philharmonic under Karl Böhm on a Deutsche Grammophon CD.

Mahler - Lieder Eines Fahrenden Gesellen

Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (Songs of a Wayfarer, although Songs of a Travelling Journeyman would be a better translation) is a song cycle originally for voice and piano in 1885, and a few years later orchestrated, by Austro-Bohemian composer Gustav Mahler (1860 - 1911). The words of the four songs are by Mahler himself. The mood of the songs varies from pastoral to complete despair. The average playing time is 16 minutes (AllMusic). I have dozens of recordings, both by male and female singers, and I have picked one of several candidates, by Thomas Quasthoff and the Vienna Philharmonic under Pierre Boulez on a Deutsche Grammophon CD.

Mahler - Rückert-Lieder

Rückert-Lieder (Songs after Rückert) is a song cycle for voice and orchestra or piano, completed in 1902 by Austro-Bohemian composer Gustav Mahler (1860 - 1911). The five songs in the cycle are based on poems written by Friedrich Rückert. "Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen", rich in lush, late-Romantic harmonies and beautiful melodic lines, must rank as one of Mahler's finest songs, and often performed separately. Mahler orchestrated four of the five songs, "Liebst du um Schönheit" was orchestrated by Max Puttmann. The average playing time is 17 minutes (AllMusic). For me, no-one comes close to Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau in this cycle, but he decided not to include "Liebst du um Schönheit" in my favourite recording of his. So I picked an alternative from the dozens of recordings in my collection: Brigitte Fassbaender with the German Symphony Orchestra Berlin under Riccardo Chailly on a Decca/London CD.

Mahler - Symphony No. 1

Symphony No. 1 in D major was completed in 1888 by Austro-Bohemian composer Gustav Mahler (1860 - 1911). It is sometimes called "Titan" after the novel by Jean Paul, but Mahler dropped that name after the first performances, when he also went from five to four movements (omitting "Blumine", which some recordings include nowadays). It is an astonishingly accomplished work for a first symphony - including a bizarre but highly effective idea to turn a French nursery rhyme into a double bass led funeral march. The average playing time is 53 minutes (AllMusic). I have over a dozen versions, but if I had to pick one it would be by the New York Philharmonic under Leonard Bernstein on a CBS CD.

Mahler - Symphony No. 2 "Resurrection"

Symphony No. 2 in C minor, also known as the Resurrection Symphony, was completed in 1894 by Austro-Bohemian composer Gustav Mahler (1860 - 1911). This symphony was one of Mahler's most popular and successful works during his lifetime. The resources required are massive: huge orchestra, soprano and alto soloists, chorus, and organ, matching the epic theme of death and resurrection. For many classical music listeners, this is their favourite Mahler work. I love it (obviously, given its presence here), but there are five works of his that I rate even higher. The average playing time is 80 minutes (AllMusic). I have over a dozen versions, with no clear front-runner; to acknowledge his excellent Mahler symphony cycle, I have opted for the Vienna Philharmonic and Choir under Pierre Boulez, with Christine Schäfer and Michelle DeYoung, on a Deutsche Grammophon CD.

Mahler - Symphony No. 4

Symphony No. 4 in G major was completed in 1900 by Austro-Bohemian composer Gustav Mahler (1860 - 1911). It is one of the shortest of Mahler's symphonies and one that divides the fanbase: it is usually ranked near the top or near the bottom of his symphonies. For me, this was my introduction to Mahler, and I love it more than any other of the numbered symphonies. It is a four movement symphony, with a soprano solo in the final, presenting a child's vision of Heaven. For me the soprano makes or breaks the performance - it is not easy to convey the feelings of a child while you are up there with a complete orchestra behind you...  The average playing time is 55 minutes (AllMusic). I have over sixty versions (it got a bit out of hand), but all things considered I would still choose the very first CD I bought of this masterpiece: the version by the Royal Concertgebouw Amsterdam under Bernard Haitink with the magnificent Elly Ameling on a Philips CD.