Greatest Opera Composer - Ever

[Franco]

For me the choice is clear: Verdi, but Mozart is a close 2nd. 

Vote early, this poll closes after one day, at which time the results will be available.

And don't make no comments about who I left out.

[Brahmsian]

I anticipate a close 3-way race.

[PerfectWagnerite]

I anticipate Wagner by a landslide.

[Christo]

And don't make no comments about who I left out.

You mean Janáček. 

[bhodges]

You mean Janáček.

  (Having just seen From the House of the Dead, twice.)

--Bruce

[Christo]

  (Having just seen From the House of the Dead, twice.)

--Bruce

  Most people see that place only once.

[bhodges]

  Most people see that place only once.

   

--Bruce

[bhodges]

PS, I voted for Verdi, although how one could choose one of that trio, I have no idea.

--Bruce

[Gurn Blanston]

PS, I voted for Verdi, although how one could choose one of that trio, I have no idea.

--Bruce

Choosing Mozart was easy for me (and only me, apparently). I based my choice on my enjoyment of the music.

[Franco]

PS, I voted for Verdi, although how one could choose one of that trio, I have no idea.

--Bruce

Really? 

Maybe I should have made it "Who is the greatest opera composer ever - IOW, who do you like the most". 

[bhodges]

Really? 

Maybe I should have made it "Who is the greatest opera composer ever - IOW, who do you like the most".

It would probably be Verdi for me in any case--any way you slice it.   I know Verdi is more appealing to me on a regular basis.  But I have to admire Mozart's concise structures and ability with comedy, and Wagner's harmonic sense and larger-than-life grandeur.

But all of that said, in the last 5 years or so, Janáček's operas have moved me profoundly, as none by the other three have.

--Bruce

[AnthonyAthletic]

I love the Tenor, the Soprano, the duet all done in a certain lyrical, luscious, slush-ious musical way.... so If he were there; it would be Puccini    There's probably many who feel this way too, but are too ashamed to say it (LOL).  I'm not ashamed, because I am tough!!

I'm not saying he's the greatest, but he's my greatest.  & I can't help liking what I like 

[Franco]

Yes, I too love Puccini.  But left him off because I liked the symmetry of just these three.

IMO they represent major streams in Opera; Puccini is obviously swimming in Verdi's pool (but not in the deep end).

[offbeat]

 surely alban berg 

[Wendell_E]

surely alban berg 

I think I love you.  If only he'd written as many operas as, say, Puccini.

I voted for Verdi from the available choices, but more as "favorite" than "greatest".

And don't make no comments about who I left out.

You're not the boss of me!     Janáček and Handel.

[The new erato]

Janacek, Handel and Monteverdi are those I listen to the most, call them personal favorites. As to whom i best among the three mentioned, I have no idea, but suspect it may be Mozart.

[Franco]

Okay, so it was interesting, with Wagner edging out Verdi, and Mozart placing last.  Not how I would have predicted - but the people have spoken.

[Brahmsian]

I was right, that it would be a close 3-way race.

[Guido]

  (Having just seen From the House of the Dead, twice.)

--Bruce

Arg so envious! How was it?

[Maciek]

This poll doesn't really count because:

1. It closed too quickly (I missed it).
2. Verdi didn't win.
3. Wagner won.

(I'd have settled for Mozart. Grudgingly.)