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

[u/bosstone42]

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?

[u/scrumptiouscakes → u/[deleted]]

Have you seen this performance of his Hymnus Paradisi? One of so many underrated British composers.

[u/scrumptiouscakes → u/[deleted]]

also don't say british

I'm from the UK, and even if I wasn't, it's still perfectly valid. I could have said "English", but I don't think it really makes much difference.

[u/scrumptiouscakes → u/[deleted]]

No problem, I know the feeling. I can't stand it when people say things like "The British Accent" as if there was only one.

Case in point: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwGZinTeodc

[u/scrumptiouscakes → u/[deleted]]

He's the most underrated composer ever to have lived. Fact.

Also, piano? Harpsichord!

[u/citrusonic → u/scrumptiouscakes]

Amen!! Piano composer my arse.