Eldartford, Since you are, in fact, quite familar with classical music, wouldn't your point have been better expressed if you had voiced specific critisms, as opposed to making generic expressions, such as "over-rated", etc which when read by novices can be mis-understood as meaning that they are unworthy.I think it is this manner of expression that draws the boo's. While I realize the significance of all of Beethovens symphonies in the whole, as well as in the part, as with you I too am not really drawn to hearing repeated performances of the 9th. I feel it is not as cohesive as the 5th and 7th nor as pastoral as the 6th or joyful as the 8th. None the less it was Beethovens Symphonies which broke the ground for future symphonists, the romantic period if you will, not Mozart, even though for many years even such as Brahms felt he could not compete as a symphonist - because he felt Beethoven had said it all. Understanding what made these symphonies great prepares one for a better understanding of what was to come. Great music did not stop with Beethoven, as it did not stop with Bach, Handel, or Mozart. Its all a wonderful voyage to be enjoyed, and I wouldn't denegrate any of the "Greats" just because I didn't find them engaging (any longer). If my post implied that you were ignorant, forgive me for my boorish behavior.
