13 MORE Stunning Symphony Endings in Classical Music

DISCLAIMER:
The symphonies in this video are not listed in a specific order, and this list is VERY subjective. These are some of our favourite symphony finales, please comment your favourite!
Rachmaninoff’s 2nd Symphony was mistakenly labelled as “Op. 18” in the video (which is actually his second concerto), it is actually his Op. 27.
A version of this video with no voiceover is available here
• NO VOICEOVER | 13 MORE...
Chapters:
00:00 - Disclaimers
00:39 - Introduction
01:16 - 13. Beethoven Symphony No. 9 Op. 125
03:22 - 12. Brahms Symphony No. 1 Op. 68
05:24 - 11. Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 Op. 64
08:09 - 10. Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3 "Organ Symphony" Op. 78
11:50 - 9. Schumann Symphony No. 2 Op. 61
14:14 - 8. Janáček Sinfonietta "Military"
17:41 - 7. Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2 Op.27
20:08 - 6. Messiaen Turangalîla-Symphonie
23:02 - 5. Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 Op.74
27:09 - 4. Copland Symphony No. 3
30:19 - 3. Atterberg Symphony No. 3 "Pictures of the West Coast"
32:55 - 2. Mahler Symphony No. 8 "Symphony of a Thousand"
36:40 - 1. Bruckner Symphony No. 8 "The Apocalyptic" WAB 108
43:17 - Conclusion
All performances in this video are used under fair use and great appreciation. Please do check them out!
13. Beethoven Symphony No. 9 Op. 125 - Klaus Mäkelä, Oslo Philharmonic
• Beethoven's Symphony N...
12. Brahms Symphony No. 1 Op. 68 - Andrés Orozco-Estrada, HR Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra
• Brahms: 1. Sinfonie ∙ ...
11. Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 Op. 64 - Manfred Honeck, HR Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra
• Tschaikowsky: 5. Sinfo...
10. Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3 "Organ Symphony" Op. 78 - Riccardo Minasi, HR Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra, Organist: Iveta Apkalna
• Saint-Saëns: 3. Sinfon...
9. Schumann Symphony No. 2 Op. 61 - Klaus Mäkelä, Oslo Philharmonic
• Symphony No. 2 / Rober...
8. Janáček Sinfonietta "Military" - Karina Canellakis, Radio Filharmonisch Orkest
• Janáček: Sinfonietta -...
7. Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2 Op. 27 - Antonio Pappano, Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden
• Rachmaninoff: Symphony...
6. Messiaen Turangalîla-Symphonie - Susanna Mälkki, Orchestre philharmonique de Radio France
• Video
5. Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 Op.74 - Marek Janowski, Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra
• Tchaikovsky: Symphony ...
4. Copland Symphony No. 3 - Alan Gilbert, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra
• Copland: Sinfonie Nr. ...
3. Atterberg Symphony No. 3 "Pictures of the West Coast" - Sixten Ehrling, Malmo Symphony Orchestra
Score and video from • Atterberg - Symphony 3...
2. Mahler Symphony No. 8 "Symphony of a Thousand" - Riccardo Chailly, Lucerne Festivak Orchestra, Soloists: Ricarda Merbeth, Juliane Banse, Anna Lucia Richter, Sara Mingardo, Mihoko Fujimura, Andreas Schager, Peter Mattei, Samuel Youn
• Gustav Mahler - Sympho...
1. Bruckner Symphony No. 8 "The Apocalyptic" WAB 108 - Manfred Honeck, WDR Symphony Orchestra
• Anton Bruckner - Sinfo...
The music used in the introduction, 'Journey to the Toucan Isle' is written by Vadim Krakhmal
• Journey To The Toucan ...
The music used in the conclusion, 'Victor Lux' by Scott Buckley is released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

[@user-wp4ju4hp5w]

The ending of Mahler s 8th Symphony is absolutely Heavenly

[@sebastienriviere7371]

Unlike the first video, I didn't know all the symphonies here. Thank you for making me discover new music. And you also included a lot of my favorite symphonies. As I said in the previous one, the only one missing for me is the end of Scriabin's first.

[@mdcatdad]

the end of Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra is superb!

[@ultradmann2367]

One more, Alexander Scriabin's Le poeme de I'Extase is a dope, transcendental coda/finale too~ Worth a mention~

[@shantihealer]

The greatest of all the symphonic endings saved till last - Bruckner's 8th. Magnifico!

[@obsidianmusic303]

Yes, that was our thinking! it was really popular, and is really a great finale!

[@user-fw9fr3lo8l]

Indeed

[@barrybernstein9049]

Only the Bruckner 5 is BETTER !!!

[@shantihealer]

@@barrybernstein9049 YES!!! I heartily agree!

[@mechantl0up]

Sibelius 7th has the best ending of any symphony I’ve heard. It might be the best symphony overall.

[@andre_p]

Thanks for another great video ! Kudos for including the Pathétique, the only symphony I know where the double basses make such an essential contribution to the music and the emotions it conveys - all while playing pp ! Thanks also for the Atterberg, a great romantic swedish composer (his 5th symphony is a favourite of mine). Suggestions for future videos: the finales of Nielsen’s 4th and especially 5th symphonies. And of course, the coda to Schubert’s 9th (some number it differently nowadays), with its raucous unison Cs in the strings…🥳. For a bleak, minor key and desolate finale, Vaughan-Williams’ 6th is mesmerizing.

[@obsidianmusic303]

Thank you so much! These suggestions are great, we will definitely try to include them in the future!

[@TitanicHorseRacingLover]

Awesome. Thanks for including Beethoven's 9th

[@obsidianmusic303]

Thanks for watching! And yes, Beethoven 9 was highly requested 😅

[@victorvillatoro7241]

@@obsidianmusic303I was very surprised to not see it in the first video.

[@kinnipwjsn3973]

Both Mahler 2 and 8 are unbeatable.

[@henrykaspar3634]

In terms of kitsch, no.

[@timweather3847]

I would say Mahler 3 is up there with them.

[@Kyle-ur4mr]

@@henrykaspar3634old

[@mechantl0up]

I have tried to listen to Mahler multiple times, but never seem to get the point of his symphonies. They seem to me overextended and a hodgepodge of ideas none of which is ever particularly compelling. I guess my taste in music is bad since I also do not get Shostakovich - similarly a lot of composition but little music - although I do generally listen to symphonies (from other composers) when I listen to classical.

[@Chamtechie]

​@@mechantl0upAlthough I love Mahler's symphonies now, I felt that way too when I started listening to him. It took a long time for me to understand his music. His relatively shorter and simpler First Symphony is what drew me in and encouraged me to explore the others, it remains a favorite along with 2, 5, and 6. I still can't wrap my head around 9.

[@HenningLubbe]

Thank you for this. It broadened my knowledge and senses with new music and experiences. Keep them coming please.

[@obsidianmusic303]

Thank you for watching, glad we could help you!

[@kikipt]

These are all marvelous, but I think the finale of the Nielsen Inextinguishable, with the dueling timpani, is as stunning as any of these.

[@obsidianmusic303]

Thank you for the suggestion!

[@craigbrush5784]

Wonderful, thank you. Appreciate the Tchaikovsky 5 and Saint Saens 3rd - kind of you to remember! x

[@obsidianmusic303]

Of course! Thank you for the suggestions, and thank you for watching! 😊

[@craigbrush5784]

@@obsidianmusic303 Ok Tchaikovsky 4, Mahler 1 and Sibelius 2. Sorry if I'm being greedy...! x

[@obsidianmusic303]

@@craigbrush5784 Haha, no problem! Tchaikovsky 4 was in our last video, and Sibelius 2 will be in the next video. We already have Mahler 3 and Mahler 6 in the next video, but we will definitely include Mahler 1 in a future video! We might have to make an entire dedicated video about Mahler and his works at this point 😅

[@josevanderleigutierrezcond5861]

Thank you so much for this compilation of greatest finals. I do love Mahler but Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Schumann...the third of Saint Säens pulls me to my limits of emotion 😊

[@obsidianmusic303]

Thank you so much for watching! Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@philliplipple1799]

Like the previous 7 this is a wonderful selection with terrific audio and video.

[@obsidianmusic303]

Thank you!

[@JimJimJimJim99]

Very enjoyable. Thank you. The year that each work was composed would be interesting extra information. My pick is Shostakovich's 4th.

[@nervoustic1997]

Love the video, keep them coming! I would suggest Mozart 41, Mahler 6, and sibelius 5 for the next one!

[@obsidianmusic303]

Thank you so much! Mahler 6 will be in the next video, so look out for that one!

[@Chamtechie]

​@@obsidianmusic303The end of Mahler 6 is the worst jumpscare I've ever had listening to classical music. I just saw it live for the first time not long ago, but on Spotify there's no visual warning of the conductor winding up to BLAST you in those last few bars...

[@obsidianmusic303]

@@Chamtechie yes, it's even worse with no visual warning 😅. Worse than Stravinsky's Firebird! But if you don't get jumpscared, it's a great symphony and finale!

[@robertparry4331]

THE END OF VAUGHAN WILLIAMS 4TH SYMPHONY IS STUNNING AS IS THE CLIMAX OF THE SEA SYMPHONY.THE CLIMAX OF WALTON SYMPHONY I IS FANTASTIC.A FITTING END TO ONE OF THE GREATEST MODERN SYMPHONIES.

[@richardbale3278]

If you are a trumpet player the Sinfonietta will get you hard every time.

[@obsidianmusic303]

I'm not a trumpet player, but I play brass and can make tolerable sounds in it, so can appreciate how great it is! My brother (the other speaker in the video) is a trumpet player though!

[@richardbale3278]

@@obsidianmusic303 There are four times in my life when I have felt ten feet tall in my life as a trumpet player. I played Auld Lang Sine as part of my High School commencement ceremony. I played Fanfare for the Comon Man during that same ceremony. And I played the Olympic Fanfare. Lastly, I played Til There Was You to my wife. All of that practice paid off.

[@obsidianmusic303]

@@richardbale3278 you must have practised at least 40 hours a day!

[@richardbale3278]

@obsidianmusic303 It was generally 2-3 hours a day, plus three hours of ensembles and marching band during football season, pep band for basketball and wrestling. At least we didn't have to go to the damned golf matches.

[@obsidianmusic303]

@@richardbale3278 Hehe yes it was a Ling Ling joke. But 2-3 hours is not bad for trumpet, your stamina needs to be really good to practise for that long. And those golf matches...

[@tymenryk]

Naturally love the list but especially impressed with the chosen recordings! Include Kallinikov g-min in video 3!

[@obsidianmusic303]

Thank you, these recordings are really great! Also thanks for the suggestion!

[@gumpy4960]

Maybe not a very popular choice but my vote would be for Vaughan Williams symphony 5.

[@johannesbluemink4581]

Always a favorite of mine! You know, one critic wrote it was like a cow,staring in a field in the meadow.

[@janbaerts6552]

I have been a professional orchestra cellist for about 20 years, and I love big romantic orchestral repertoire like nothing else. May I suggest Respighi, Pini di Roma. Although not the nicest piece to actually play (as a cellist), it has an unbelievably epic ending. Enjoy!

[@obsidianmusic303]

Thanks for the suggestion, it is definitely a great piece! Perhaps we can include it in a future video about tone poems!

[@SplittingProductions]

Awesome list! Glad so much more was included this time ^.^ And there are some pieces here I'll need to familiarize myself with so that's fun. Especially that Atterberg's 3rd. I really liked that and also I hear the Meowmix jingle in it xD More Mahler is always a good thing though. Fingers crossed for 7 I can't be the only one who loves that one right? :p Also random lesser known suggestion: "Khachaturian's 3rd." Underrated piece by an underrated composer imo.

[@obsidianmusic303]

Thanks for watching! Yes, Atterberg was one of the suggestions from the previous video, and I loved it the first time I listened to it. I love all of Mahler, but we already have his 3rd and 6th on the list for the next video, but we will try our best to include it. If not, we are definitely going to make an entire video dedicated to the life of Mahler, where we will include all of his symphonies! I think Khachaturian’s 3rd has been suggested as well, I will definitely check it out!

[@SplittingProductions]

@@obsidianmusic303 Well I can never get too much Mahler :p I just really like 7 despite it being less popular. Looking forward to the next one!

[@nicholaswheeler8038]

Honorable mentions hopefully in a 3rd video: Sibelius 2nd, Tchaikovsky Manfred Symphony, Brahms 2nd and Schumann 3rd.

[@djysmallman2183]

The Rach 2 is opus 27. The opus 18 listed here was for the second concerto.

[@obsidianmusic303]

Oh no, thanks for pointing that out! I remember being confused when I was just looking up the opus number for “Rach 2”, and then specify his second symphony; I must have still gotten it mixed up…

[@songsmith31a]

The Atterberg name and work are unknown to me. Thanks for the incentive to check it out.

[@obsidianmusic303]

I’ve only recently heard of Kurt Atterberg from the suggestions in the comments of our last video, his works are truly stunning! Glad we could help.

[@enricochestri]

To me too. Sounds pretty good though

[@thomasvendetti3742]

Bruckner 5 and Mozart 41!!!!

[@user-wp4ju4hp5w]

If you want to see and hear a great version of the ending coda of Bruckner s 8th Symphony go to the version with the Munich Philharmonic with the late great Peter Sadlo on timpani

[@user-wp4ju4hp5w]

At 40:12 we see and hear the timpanist doing a crescendo forte roll which was not written in the original score but nonetheless effective

[@brucesievewright973]

Shostakovich 7th Symphony, crank it up as loud as you can, nothing like it

[@obsidianmusic303]

Yes, it’s EPIC!

[@johannesbluemink4581]

Jogging on the 1st movement. Rhythm for 25 minutes. Just the thing I love to do!

[@ukdavepianoman]

This list together with first video captures many of the great endings. Next list should include Sibelius 2, 5, 7, Walton 1, Shostakovich 7. Not sure what the voiceover thing is, but Messaien's Turangalila symphony is not atonal.

[@obsidianmusic303]

Thanks, Sibelius 2 and Shostakovich 7 will be in the next video! Also apologies, we should have said Messiaen was not diatonic, and he used self-invented modes of limited transposition. In some ways, it could be argued that it is atonal, but you are correct as that is not fully true.

[@kentahagiwara3006]

NO SYMPHONIE FANTASTIQUE?! AGAIN?

[@funnyplayz4453]

Amsojan Omao Omsapo

[@ragmanv420]

Amsojan Omao Omsapo

[@ultradmann2367]

George Enescu's Symphony No.2 is absolutely one and not very well known AT ALL. It's a tough, overly rich and opulent sounding piece and definitely deserves a listen for it's huge ending.

[@MrDale53]

Still missing a Sibelius symphony! :) Maybe next video?

[@obsidianmusic303]

Yes, definitely! Sibelius 2 and/or 7 will definitely be in the next video!

[@tygrtales6319]

@@obsidianmusic3035 is a amazing too!

[@user-gc8pc3ol6l]

Shostakovich 11 with the tolling bells and unresolved ending in G.

[@user-wp4ju4hp5w]

Great timpanist Lars Rapp playing the ending of Brahms 1st Symphony

[@obsidianmusic303]

He's absolutely amazing!

[@user-wp4ju4hp5w]

Rachmaninov s signature ending of his 2nd Symphony

[@user-wp4ju4hp5w]

Copland Symphony No 3 = Fanfare For The Common Man

[@tonybarri6165]

What about Prokofiev piano concerto n°3 :(

[@sean-kb4wr]

Can you recommend any symphonies that resemble Rachmaninoffs

[@obsidianmusic303]

Sure, depends on which aspect(s) of his work you like. If you like the beautiful romantic melodies, Tchaikovsky is an obvious one, another great Russian composer regarded as one of the greatest melodists in classical music. His symphony 5, which we have included in this video, has a great main theme, the fate motif. If you like his lush, late Romantic orchestration, Ravel and Rimsky-Korsakov are some of the greatest orchestrators ever. While Ravel wrote no symphonies, his piano concertos are also comparable to some of Rachmaninoff’s. Other composers who wrote piano concertos similar in style include Tchaikovsky, the previously mentioned Ravel, and Liszt, who also pioneered the form of the symphonic/tone poem. While no composer has ever written anything extremely similar to Rachmaninoff, apart from the composer himself, I hope these suggestions help!

[@kuygon1964]

furthermore, I'd recommend Rachmaninoff's other symphonic works such as the Isle of the Dead or even the prologue of his opera "Francesca da Rimini", which is quite depressing! His "Symphonic Dances" are also very typical of Rachmaninoff, and feature great orchestration, including a saxophone solo in the first movement! Hope you enjoy :D

[@Dylonely42]

Mahler 8 is widely the first of this list, then comes Rachmaninoff 2 and Bruckner 8

[@nicholaswheeler8038]

Another cool idea would be the most epic symphonic openings.

[@obsidianmusic303]

Yes, I can think of many amazing ones already; thanks for the suggestion! Do you have any recommendations?

[@MrDale53]

@@obsidianmusic303 I think the beginning of Mahler's 8th would be required. And of course Beethoven's 5th!

[@nicholaswheeler8038]

@@obsidianmusic303 Most certainly. Off the top of my head: Borodin 2, Brahms 1, Tchaikovsky 4, Tchaikovsky Manfred, Shostakovich 5, and Mahler 2. From the opening movement, these guys get down to business. No appetizers, no warm ups, straight business.

[@tygrtales6319]

@@obsidianmusic303Mahler 2 and 5 :D

[@jamessalzman4369]

Where is the link to the version without narration?

[@obsidianmusic303]

Sorry, we are still uploading the no voiceover version. It will probably take a few days to release to youtube, so thank you for being patient

[@user-wp4ju4hp5w]

Oslo Philharmonic playing the ending of Beethoven s 9th

[@MrDale53]

One final suggestion....Cesar Franck's Symphony in d minor.

[@obsidianmusic303]

Ooh, I'll definitely check that one out!

[@user-wp4ju4hp5w]

The ending of Saint Seans s 3rd Symphony is a timpanist s dream solo

[@obsidianmusic303]

Absolutely! I would love to play it!

[@scharnhorstkaisarbeethoven]

Not adding Mahler's symphony no 2 "Ressuraction" is a crime and should be met with impunity 😢.

[@obsidianmusic303]

We actually already included in our first video here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5-zmommoZJ5ea8si=NoKBV4Znuf9nbPNQ

[@Dylonely42]

How old are you (if you don’t mind answering) ?

[@obsidianmusic303]

I am 14 years old (in high school) and my brother, who also did the voiceover (for every other piece) is 11 years old.

[@Dylonely42]

@@obsidianmusic303 No way you can be so much experience in classical music at your ages… perhaps genius !?

[@obsidianmusic303]

@@Dylonely42 Thank you 😅 We actually first discovered classical music through the popular KZbin channel TwoSet Violin, and we've loved it every since! We are very interested in learning more, and speaking for myself, I spend relatively researching and learning about composers, musical forms, analysing scores etc. It you're interested, I play trombone and percussion and my brother plays percussion, trumpet and horn. We also like to composer, although my brother writes more for piano while I tend to write for orchestra (really big ones!) I really think it's a shame that young people are not getting introduced and familiarised to this great genre of music, partly due to the many misconceptions about it out there. If you don't mind answering, how old were you when you were first exposed to classical music?

[@Dylonely42]

@@obsidianmusic303 Probably 14 or 15. I still can’t believe you have so much knowledge… 11 and 14 ! I bless your parents because yes, it’s really a shame that very few young people appreciate try to experience classical music. I am personally mainly charmed by operas, symphonies (Tchaikovsky and Mahler), piano concertos and classical/jazz songs. Puccini and Gershwin are my really favorites, I suggest to listen to their music (Porgy & Bess, La Bohème, Rhapsodies and An American in Paris). I wish you to become even greater musicians in the future.

[@obsidianmusic303]

@@Dylonely42 Thank you so much! I like jazz/classical-jazz fusion as well, Gershwin and even Ravel are great!

[@robertlambeaux897]

No one of Sibelius ? Of ShostaKovitch ? ...

[@obsidianmusic303]

Both of them will be in the next video, including Sibelius 2 and 7, as well as Shostakovich 7!

[@aidenchu878]

Hi

[@sean-kb4wr]

Rachmaninoffs first symphony has the best ending in classical music

[@MisterPathetique]

If you say so.

[@angelsofdeath01]

For me, it Dvôràk’s Ninth Symphony

[@obsidianmusic303]

There are many great symphony endings, and everyone has different favourites. Nobody can name the “objectively single most bestest” symphony finale ever, but what we CAN do is make a list of some favourites from many different people, so all suggestions are welcome!

[@enricochestri]

I think Beethoven's finale of his fifth symphony is really one of the greatest, even more affermative than the 9th. And as to counterpoint Mozart 's jupiter is really great. You should take it into consideration....

[@benjamindewinter2432]

The finale of Rach's first is indeed very good, very chilling too. The end to his Symphonic Dances is also terrific, with the restatement of a theme out of his Vespers.

[@jimdetry9420]

A step above your previous video.

[@obsidianmusic303]

Thank you, we've learnt a lot when making the first, glad you could tell the improvement!

[@davidstetson3805]

Good work. I've been doing this for 45 years and never heard of Attenburg, thanks for that revelation. The Schumann is good, but I wouldn't go as far as stunning. Messiaen? C'mon... not in the same category as the others. I appreciate your work in assembling this. Give Mahler 6 a chance.

[@obsidianmusic303]

I’ve only recently heard of Kurt Atterberg from the comments of our last video, his works are amazing! Messiaen was recommended by a lot of people, and we did try to include a variety of styles and composers. Thank you for watching! And yes, we were saving the best for later, Mahler 6 has been on the list for the third video for a while now! I’ve already found a great recording, and we are starting to make the next video!

[@Ziad3195]

Messiaen's finale was one of the best in this video, lol. The others were all the same over-the-top romantic pretentiousness (for lack of better word).

[@Ziad3195]

​@@obsidianmusic303Less romantic era please. 90% of this video and the last were Romantic era. Where are the variety of styles?

[@nicholaswheeler8038]

Kurt Atterberg has an absolutely breathtaking piano concerto. The climax of the 2nd movement is a knife to the heart love pouring out moment. Easily in my top 5 piano concerti along with Rach 2, Tchaikovsky 2, Prokofiev 2, and Medtner 1.

[@RachManJohn]

Messiaen stands above Schumann, Saint-Saens...

[@laurentcompagna6166]

I love how Mahler uses cliché elements in his symphonies, even in the endings sometimes. It’s as if he’s reminding us that no matter the philosophical pretentions a composer can have, music remains mere entertainment. He understood that better than Bach, Wagner or Bruckner, and as well as Haydn or Beethoven.

[@franciscolopezus]

These idiots put the ads jus brofre the end, instead of betwee parts

[@obsidianmusic303]

Unfortunately, we cannot control where the ads are placed, as we use normally copyrighted content (protected under fair use) in the video, so KZbin automatically adds ads to the middle of the video..

[@hectorberlioz1449]

Very strange that Berlioz' Symphonie Fantastique is not included. It makes this list NOT valid‼️

[@obsidianmusic303]

We have saved the best for last! It will be in our third video, coming soon‼️

[@RachManJohn]

I forgot how much I disliked Copland. Thanks for reminding me.