Zarak,
To name a few of my own favorites from the “loud and thunderous” category...
- Berlioz, Symphonie Fantastique
- Wagner, popular overtures from Tannhauser, Meistersinger, etc.
- Mussorgsky/Ravel, Pictures at an Exhibition
- Last but not least, Mahler’s symphonies, especially Nos. 2, 5 and 8.
But ALL of these pieces contain infinitesimally quiet moments too, providing an excellent test for the micro- and macro-dynamics of your system. If you feel you want to “ride” the volume knob while listening to these works, I would say something is wrong in your equipment.
