Symphony No.1 (Tonal Plexus) - Glenn Branca

Advantages: A work that changed the way we look at symphonies
Disadvantages: none whatsoever

...'s wanderings from E flat major into foreign tonalities from the very beginning already sets uneasiness to the symphony. The music also features many violent off-beats, strange harmonic twists, passages of such turbulance never heard before in orchestral music and other peculiarities that caused alienation with the people adjusted to thinking music as a pleasant pastime, not as a deeply personal utterance. As Brahms said: "Writing symphonies was no longer playful." I. Allegro con brio The symphony begins with two forceful E flat major chords (forte) that instantly set the tone of the music. The cellos then launch into the main theme, that in actuality is nothing more than an E flat chord tipped on its side and turned into a melody. Incidentally this theme bears incredible resemblance to the overture of Mozart's youthful singspiel Bastien et... Read review

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Advantages: A new way to hear Beethoven
Disadvantages: Surpassed by some later period cycles

...reinterpreted by the likes of Gardiner, Mackerras, Zinman and even Norrington himself that have by now surpassed the original Norrington set, but there is a certain historical value to that 1989 set that was the first to take Beethoven in this direction and breaking a tradition that had been in vogue since the composer's death in 1827. In 2001 they were re-released on the Virgin label and are still readily available in a set of five CD. THE SYMPHONIES Symphony No.1 in C major, Op.21 The First Symphony is one of the best of the set. The overall Classical feel of the symphony most readily lends the sound of the older instruments appealing and give this work a sense of power that often seems to be missing in modern performances. The first movement has such bubbling good humor that is frankly irresistable as is the charming slow movement which... Read review

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Advantages: Embodies some of Mahlers most notable music qualities.
Disadvantages: Unfinished.

...and Naxos. There are many versions played by various orchestra's and in different decades to choose from, the most recent notable one has been Simon Rattle's Berlin orchestra's performance. Overall if you like Mahler this is a definite buy, if you are new to Mahler get this as part of a compliation package, if new to classical music perhaps sample it before you purchase. --- AVAILABILITY --- There are many labels and different recordings of this that is hard to suggest which one to go for. You can buy it stand alone or as a compilation of Mahlers other music. If you are new to Mahler buy a complilation of his other scores too as he has so many other offerings (Symphony No. 1 is one of my favourites). If you have some Mahler music already then I would suggest the Naxos label which has Symphony No. 10 all on its own for around £5.... Read review

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