World's Best Symphonist

World’s Best Symphonist

The title of world’s best symphonist is a much debated topic. Names that are often considered include musical greats that are scattered throughout the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Candidates that are suggested the most are Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827, Germany), Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893, Russia), and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791, Austria). All three of these symphonists are unique and their styles differ considerably.

Beethoven

Beethoven is known for many things other than for being a virtuoso on the piano. Inspired by Joseph Haydn Beethoven developed complex themes using changes in key and tempo. Beethoven’s music also demonstrates a masterful and innovative use of forceful, stark, and marked rhythm patterns. Using these devices Beethoven crafted symphonies with unrivalled emotional and dramatic impact. Many believe that for these reasons Beethoven is the world’s best symphonist.

Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky was commonly criticized throughout the 20^th century for his powerful and sometimes overbearing work but recently has been recognized as one of the great symphonists. Tchaikovsky revolutionized the state of classical music with his creative use of repetition and unorthodox harmony arrangements. Tchaikovsky often created great contrast in his work by tapping into the delicate nature of treble instruments and then transitioning into an exploration of very deep and powerful bass instruments. For Tchaikovsky’s unique contributions to the musical world he is often touted as the world’s best symphonist.

Mozart

A true pioneer, Mozart helped develop and popularize the piano concerto and had a large impact on the musical theory of the day with his work. Known for the balance, clarity, and harmony in his work Mozart performed for royalty from a young age and inspired many other symphonists including Beethoven and Johann Nepomuk Hummel. Mozart was also noted for his incredible ability to absorb and borrow from other composer’s work and styles to the betterment of his own work. Often studied by anyone aspiring to go into classical music, Mozart is definitely a prime candidate for the world’s best symphonist.

Declaring someone as the world’s best symphonist is an incredibly complex task. Music is a subjective art and is highly influenced by perception and bias. A symphonist may be declared as the best technical writer, or perhaps the as the writer who most invoked emotion with his work, but to elevate one as superior as a whole over all of the rest is impossible. Rest assured that the three listed here could all be the best, and enjoy their work for what it is – greatness.