I don't know if this is appropriate for this forum but I'm interested in opinions on the greatest orchestrators (and why).
Some of the ones that I like the most are ---
Debussy. To me he is the greatest because his orchestration is more transparent than any other I've heard. If you listen to the Images or Jeux, you will notice the most extreme delicacy of detail in every instrument audible. And it is unimaginable to transcribe these pieces for piano or some other medium. Though they are not mere "orchestral showpieces" that have only color and no ideas, these great works are so specifically for the instruments that are written in the score that you could never make anything else play them without completely changing the work.
Mahler. In the Ninth Symphony, he completely broke down the conventional orchestral practice barriers by composing for each instrument on an individual basis, even though a full orchestra was used. In the other symphonies and song-cycles he continued the extreme expansion of the orchestral palette begun by Beethoven into expressive areas never equalled by any other composer. For example, the hugely massive sound of the finale of the 2nd or the 8th, forcing expanded brass ensembles into competition with multiple choirs never dreamed of previously.
Berlioz. The Symphonie Fantastique with its weirdly imaginative uses of the large 19th century orchestra - for example the "March to the Gallows" with the tuba and bassoons below playing the Dies Irae theme, or the extensive use of the English horn, creating a lasting definition of the instrument's character in this one piece. Or the "Requiem" with its huge palette of brass, percussion and choirs that Mahler was obviously inspired by.
Holst His use of the orchestra in "The Planets" is probably the single most significant influence upon film composition ever. From the shocking and Stravinsky-influenced brass and percussion dynamo of "Mars" to the single most ethereal piece outside of Debussy ever composed "Neptune" with its layered and intricate colors of celeste, harp, pp woodwinds, string tremolos, muted brass and subtle timpani, he created a work which perhaps defines the 20th century use of the orchestra more than any other.
Just some random ideas. I wish others might suggest their own.
Some of the ones that I like the most are ---
Debussy. To me he is the greatest because his orchestration is more transparent than any other I've heard. If you listen to the Images or Jeux, you will notice the most extreme delicacy of detail in every instrument audible. And it is unimaginable to transcribe these pieces for piano or some other medium. Though they are not mere "orchestral showpieces" that have only color and no ideas, these great works are so specifically for the instruments that are written in the score that you could never make anything else play them without completely changing the work.
Mahler. In the Ninth Symphony, he completely broke down the conventional orchestral practice barriers by composing for each instrument on an individual basis, even though a full orchestra was used. In the other symphonies and song-cycles he continued the extreme expansion of the orchestral palette begun by Beethoven into expressive areas never equalled by any other composer. For example, the hugely massive sound of the finale of the 2nd or the 8th, forcing expanded brass ensembles into competition with multiple choirs never dreamed of previously.
Berlioz. The Symphonie Fantastique with its weirdly imaginative uses of the large 19th century orchestra - for example the "March to the Gallows" with the tuba and bassoons below playing the Dies Irae theme, or the extensive use of the English horn, creating a lasting definition of the instrument's character in this one piece. Or the "Requiem" with its huge palette of brass, percussion and choirs that Mahler was obviously inspired by.
Holst His use of the orchestra in "The Planets" is probably the single most significant influence upon film composition ever. From the shocking and Stravinsky-influenced brass and percussion dynamo of "Mars" to the single most ethereal piece outside of Debussy ever composed "Neptune" with its layered and intricate colors of celeste, harp, pp woodwinds, string tremolos, muted brass and subtle timpani, he created a work which perhaps defines the 20th century use of the orchestra more than any other.
Just some random ideas. I wish others might suggest their own.