They are moments where you can sense the tectonic plates of music in a state of upheaval and, in the aftermath, a change in the landscape and the horizon. Obvious examples are Beethoven's Eroica Symphony, which exploded the form, boundaries and length of the classical symphony. There is an incredible moment in the development section of the huge first movement where you can hear the fabric of the music straining as it almost rips itself apart.
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Musical earthquakes are heading our way
It's impossible to miss the seismic moments in musical history: they tend to rear up and smack you in the face.
