Message #14678

[Jolly Roger]

It is difficult to point to a single work without more knowledge
One way to determine items on this list is the influence a piece had on other composers and their altered lives.
There was quite a stir among composers with Wagner's Tristan und Isolde, well after its first performance which continues to this day.
The same applies to The Tapiola Tone Poem by Sibelius.
Of course, The Rite of Spring dramatically changed the face of music.
Not sure which Debussy work had the most profound effect,there is little doubt he set a precedent.
I hear Pelieas and Melisande caused a convulsion
If forced to choose, I would have to choose La Mer or Prelude to The Afternoon of a Faun.
Bach's Tocatta and Fugue is still setting the course of some composing, you can pick another work if you choose.
While folks may be surprised of the effect of Hindemith, many European composers followed his lead.
I can't speak much to atonality, I guess Schoenberg of Webern would be prime candidates, but  have no idea which specific pieces
had the most impact.
I would would have to pick Mathis der Mahler as the catalyst piece.

I know..there is much to debate here..