The Greatest Composer in European Classical Music

Many would argue that these towering geniuses are the greatest composers in European classical music. However, which one do you think is the best.
For me it is very close (between Bach and Beethoven) - but I have gone for Bach.

I once saw a documentary that said Bach's music transcended social, cultural and geographical boundaries and touched people's souls in such a universal way, it was like a musical expression of God.

The composer Brahms once said that if you were interested in music then you should study Bach because there you will find everything.

Mozart said of Bach he was the only composer that Mozart could continue to learn from.

There is a sense that Bach, through his huge output, explored almost every musical possibility and that his music transcends the confines of the late 17th and 18th century baroque tradition, with which he is associated.

Of course, similar arguments could be put forward for Mozart and the Classical tradition, and Beethoven and the Romantic tradition.

When you vote in the poll, I would really appreciate it if you could elaborate on your thoughts by writing a few comments also.

I would also say Bach. Just been listening to his Christmas
Oratorio (the John Eliot Gardiner version on Archiv). The goosebumps still haven't gone down. Just sublime!

Your signature is an inspiration. Shostakovich definitely deserves to be in this parade of musical geniuses. However, I would probaby substitute Bruckner with Mahler - though many would disagree.

Although it's a real close race between Bach and Beethoven, I would have to agree with Geneyes.  Since you mentioned John Eliot Gardiner, there's an older recording on the Archiv label of Beethoven's Requiem.  I believe the orchestra is the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.  Although I'm not universally a fan of historical instrument performances, this performance is goosebump - inducing and sublime!

Beethoven - - But my favorites are Bruckner, Debussy,  & Stravinsky.

^   and largely famous for his nonclassical work.

Bach, Bach and Bach. Not that I dislike the others, but Bach is simply sublime.

I am always on the lookout for female composers, by the way. The best known is probably Clara Schumann, but my favourite is probably Barbara Strozzi followed by Ethel Smyth.

Here some examples of music by female composers:








There are many many more female composers in history (hundreds). Most of them, however, had none of their music recorded so far.

I voted for Bach. The Brandenburg Concertos were an important part of my introduction to classical music (I'm using the term broadly here, to encompass the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods). His Partita for Violin No. 2 is one of my favorite pieces of music. He was a master on the violin, harpsichord and organ. He wrote the book on classical keyboard playing, The Well-Tempered Clavier.

Edited by Replayer - February 17 2016 at 11:19