What is/are your the most favourite composer s ?

Not necessarily in order, my favorites are Brahms, Dvorak, Sibelius and Vaughan Williams, followed by Schubert, Tchaikovsky, Mahler, Bruckner, Mendelssohn, Beethoven and Shostakovich. Forced to choose an absolute favorite composer, Brahms. Favorite symphony: Dvorak's Eighth, but Brahms' Third and Fourth are close. Favorite concerto: Brahms' Double for Violin and Cello and Dvorak's Cello (tie). Favorite overture: Wagner's Tannhauser (the more imposing Dresden version). Favorite song/sung by: Nat King Cole singing Stardust.

It’s been over nine years since I last listed my favorites. But, in my entire life, it wasn’t until about a year ago that I came to greatly appreciate two composers whose music I had never really cared for---Mozart and Haydn. It all started when I was hit as if by a bolt of lightening out of the blue by Mozart’s "Hoffmeister" String Quartet (#20). Hard for me to believe how for so long I just could not stand this composer. From the "Hoffmeister", I skipped to other Mozart chamber works...and then I started listening to Haydn’s Piano Trios, etc. Astounded again. Based on their chamber music alone, these two composers now sit atop my favorites list along with Brahms, Dvorak, Debussy, Ravel, Tchaikovsky, Borodin and Schubert.

Erik...My knowledge of and experience with bluegrass is virtually nonexistent, so I can’t comment on it even in fun. However, I used to mock Mozart by referring to his "snuff box" music. Then, when one day out of nowhere, I found myself attracted to his chamber music, I experienced a sense of cognitive dissonance. I had to tell my mind it was okay to have positive feelings about Mozart despite all the years I had previously felt otherwise. Frankly, I’m still not especially fond of his symphonies, though I do enjoy his piano concertos.

hfiman...Of course, Shostakovich is an entrely different kettle of fish relative to Mozart. Though not quite in the same company with my personal favorites, I do admit he can certainly press other buttons of satisfaction for me. That "complicated psyche" (as you say), with its dark, probing aspects and occasional shafts of sunlit hope can frequently have a riveting effect on the mind and spirit. There was a time when, perhaps like some others, I found his music too dreary. Then, one day, as with Mozart, my feelings were transformed. I was suddenly able to experience Shostakovich in a new and fascinating way. My favorite among his symphonies are the 4th, with Kondrashin (lp) and Jarvi (cd), and the 7th, with Kondrashin (lp) conducting. I also enjoy a fair portion of his chamber music.