classical suggestions

Beethoven's 5th Piano Concerto, late Mozart Piano Concertos..pretty "big" sounds and great music in addition to those listed already. To see how "big" a sound can come from a string quartet--Beethoven's Op 130 with the Grosse Fuge. (some of the best music ever written, Beethoven's late quartets). I guess I feel composer is more important than size of sound.. Good Luck!

I would recommend "The Classical Music Experience" by Dr. Julius Jacobson. Comes with 2 sampler CD's that allow you to read and then listen to excerpts from the composer. It was just what i was looking for when i wanted to learn more about classical. about $40 from borders/barnes&noble but can get cheaper at amazon. it's also got an offer in back for a free 3rd sampler cd. enjoy.

Mahler's 1st sympony by the NYPO, conducted by
Leonard Bernstein -- you're going to love it. Personally,
I would recommend staying away from the Beethoven's
5th type things -- you've heard them too much. But --
that's just me. I also recommend Simply Baroque by
Yo Yo Ma, but I prefer the second one to the first. On
the other hand, you said you don't like small string
groups so you might not like that one. I prescribe
Mahler. Lots and lots of Mahler. It fits your description
of big sounding symphonies, his music hasn't been
done to death at weddings and on TV commercials,
it is really great music, and since you probably have a
system geared towards classical, it will make your
system sound great.

Stravinski, The Rite of Spring and Fireworks by the
Chicago Symphony Orchestra -- PLUS -- Petrouchka
by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by
Seiji Ozawa. [BMG 09026-63311-2]

I hope you read this because this is what you need,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,TRUST ME.

There are quite a few big pieces of music that some of the others have already recommended.

Newbee mentioned the one that I personally feel is the absolute best symphony of all. Even if you don't dedicate your entire weekend to it,,,,,at least give an evening.

Leonard Bernstein & the NY Philharmonic,,,,,,,,doing,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Tschaikovsky's 5th Symphony. This is by far one of the most emotional, enjoyable, underated scores in classical music. You said you wanted big right,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,the last movement will leave you gasping for air! I hope you give all of the previous suggestions a try since they are all good.

BUT I REALLY, REALLY HOPE YOU GIVE THE 5TH SYMPHONY A LISTEN THIS WEEKEND!!!!!! I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.

Best of luck,

Happy listening!