Classic Music

Today I was trying to think what are the best classic compositions of all times. Below is what I think:

1. Beethoven- Symphony #9
2. Beethoven - Symphony #6
3. Berlioz -Symphonie Fantastique
4. Mozart - Coronation Mass/Requiem
5. Bruckner - Symphony #8
6. Wagner -Die Walküre
7. Rimsky-Korsakoff -Scheherazade
8. Brahms - Symphony #3
9. Mahler - Symphony #7
10. Beethoven Symphony #3 (Eroica)
11. Beethoven - Symphony #8
12.Wagner - Lohengrin

There is no question in my mind that Beethoven was the most ingenius composer of all times. His music pretty much summarizes every known concept related to life and existence. Especially his 9 symphonies. He is most certainly unbelievable. Mozart was a genius also, but with a completely different style. The Coronation Mass that I consider his top work, was completely different than anything else he wrote. Many would disagree with me and think that other compositions of Mozart are more important than the Coronation Mass/Requiem. Brahms and Bruckner, especially Bruckner, are my favorite composers. Brahms was a very emotional composer, while Bruckner was super-inspired (he was a deeply religious man). Symphony # 8 of Bruckner is truly epic.

As for Richard Wagner, I always adored his powerful and most inspiring music. Interestingly, the very religious Bruckner was a student and admirer of the atheist Wagner. But all of them considered Beethoven their reference. Oh, and just for the record, Brahms and Wagner hated each other big time. Finally, I should say that there are several recent composers, like Lutoslawski, Xenakis or Stockhausen that were/are truly brilliant as well. Although they did not make it in the top 10 list, there is no question that they have transformed classic music and the overall perception of their compositions is still evolving.

I am wondering if any of the people that visit this blog and understand classic music believe I missed something big in the top 10 compositions.

Update: I realized that I had forgotten to include two compositions that absolutely make the top 10. These were Berlioz's "Symphonie Fantastique" that is ranked #3 in the updated list and Rimsky-Korsakoff"s "Scheherazade" that is now ranked #7. So the top 10 became 12. It is so hard to limit it to 10. Anyway at some point I should update the list to make it top 20. Berlioz's "Symphonie Fantastique" is such an unbelievably amazing composition that only Beethoven's 9 and 6 are superior to it. Of course, the Coronation Mass/Requiem of Mozart is a very close 4th, essentially a tie.