Favorite symphony/philharmonic

[K3v1n]

On a side note to terminator's previous topic, without having to interrupt his, I wanted to know what are your favorite professional symphonies/philharmonics/concert bands, and why? List specific musical selections that were exceptionally great, that maybe you heard live or have a recording of.

[alinktothepresent]

The Dallas Wind Symphony. They're considered one of the best in the world -- the other being the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra. If you ask me, both are incredible. I have recordings of both groups: The DWS playing "Variants on a Mediaeval Tune" and the TKWS playing "Pineapple Poll."

 

It's near-impossible to compare two groups of such caliber just by listening to them -- at the ultra-high level they're both at, only preference could put one above the other. But, being a North Texan myself, I do happen to prefer the Dallas Wind Symphony.

 

Of course, bias is clearly present, but if you'll listen to the DWS play "Variants on a Mediaeval Tune," you'll begin to understand what makes them so special. In the intro alone, their trumpet soloist is the perfect compliment to what can only be described as sheer tone. It truly makes you question what is the ideal in a performance of such magnitude.

 

So, after all's said and done: The Dallas Wind Symphony.

 

 

Edit: http://www.dws.org/trittico -- This is what I was talking about! Don't forget to listen to the introduction to "Variants"!

Edited September 7, 2010 by alinktothepresent