Ludwig Van Beethoven

[Parthenia]

Best works:
Symphonies 1,3,6,7,9 (the others are great as well, but these are transcendent)

While I agree with you re: all the opi you listed, you don't mention his 5th Symphony. Personal choice, of course; however, one of the reasons I like it as well is because it's universally known, even by those who know of no other "classical" music. Everyone recognises Beethoven's 5th, even if they don't know the name. As far as arguing the case for liking Ludwig goes, his 5th is a stepping stone to other works of his. And, regarding transcendence, his 5th is still popular enough today to be known by its first four notes alone - that is transcendent! :biggrin1:

[SIZE=1] Apologies if the above is a bit ramble-y and not quite coherent. Am currently unwell. ick2:[/SIZE]