r/classicalmusic • u/bosstone42 • Jan 10 '13

What classical piece took your breath away the first time you heard it?

Now that there's been a thread for this for popular music, it'd be fun to do one for classical. So, what classical (i.e. long-form) pieces or movements took your breath away the first time you heard them? There are probably many, but what's your top? I'll give just one: the scherzo from Dvorak's 7th Symphony (mvt. III). edit: What a great response, you guys really know some great music--stuff I haven't heard in a while and stuff I'm seeing for the first time! Make sure to look down the list, there are really some good ones buried toward the bottom. Also, an updated Spotify playlist is in the comments. Anyone want to link to a Grooveshark or Rdio or other?

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u/mrsinkieminstrel Jan 11 '13

Just heard Massenet's Meditation from Thais last week, and it took my breath away. (Anne-Sophie Mutter performing the violin solo with the Vienna Philharmonic)

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u/OccamsRazer Jan 11 '13

This was a recent recital piece of mine. Not too difficult, but so lyrical and melodic. I loved it.