Who out there is a classical music buff / listener / fan(atic)?

I also liked Ravel's orchestration, but don't have too high of an opinion about Mussorgsky. I am a composer-to-be, and also a huge fan of serious music.

My favourites are mostly Russians - Prokofiev (2. and 3. piano concerto, both violin concertos, 1., 3. and 6. piano sonata, 1. symphony, Shostakovich (violin concerto, 1. and 9. symphony), Scriabin (piano concerto, Prometheus).

I love Stravinsky. To someone that is not familiar with much 20th century music it might take some effort to understand it, but I will always say he was the greatest composer of the 20th century. Start with "The Firebird," then move to the "Rite of Spring" and then some of his later works. To me the "Rite of Spring" is one of the most fascinating pieces. The harmonic language he uses is completely unprecedented and the use of rhythm and repitition is incredibly effective. It never ceases to give me goosebumps.

I love the music of Bach, for its supreme intellect (while remaining human), Beethoven, for its raging emotion and passion, and Debussy, for its sheer beauty.