The two hundredth classical recording: #658 Charles Ives - Symphony no. 4
There is a grandioseness in the set up of this symphony, which requires a massive orchestra with two conductors to play at its chaotic peaks. It starts off strong and majestic, a chorus providing the final structure to a big opening, but with its second movement, comedy, descends into a multitude of sounds whose chaos at times feels more like a cacophony than a focused sound. The worst of it doesn't stay for too long, eventually slowly reducing into a violin solo until that, too, gets overwhelmed by a pile of sound. The third movement becomes significantly more peaceful than that, the fugue producing a contemplative piece that rests the complexities it has in a clearer, less overwhelming presentation. This carries through to the imposing finale that takes its time but retains its full force of impact, until its slow and subtle winding down. It's a strong, impactful piece that feels good.