(western) classical music discussion

[Bucky Ball]

Late in the evening of May 1, 1786 Western music hit its absolute peak when the premiere of Mozart's Il Nozze di Figaro concluded.  It declined, slowly at first, from that apex until the 20th century when it fell into steep decline.

There is a good deal of truth there. 
I like the entire thing, as far as music goes, for Western Art, for a work written to be performed in front of the aristocracy which is constantly made fun of and ridiculed in it, it is amazing in the last act, when the Count asks his wife for forgiveness. It's full of compassion (and a turning point in Western thought) with ideas from the Enlightenment, (and no religion). 

When the main character in Don Giovanni falls into hell in that work, it's the first time in the Christian era that a main character goes to hell, and remains without "salvation", and un-forgiven. 

Besides the 9th symphony of Beethoven, the quartets from Fidelio, (very similar to the 9th, musically), stand as monumental accomplishments, as well as a couple sections from The Missa Solemnis ... the Benedictus is amazing.