Bach is the very best composer.

[MN Dave]

And it's not even Friday.

[MN Dave]

I've decided to become a Bach specialist. Bach Bach Bach. Nothing but Bach. Bach!

[karlhenning]

So this is where overdose on the Brahms Second Piano Concerto leads!

[Bulldog]

From the very best listener - of course.

[MN Dave]

Well, 95% Bach anyway...

[karlhenning]

I applaud Dave, as the poll has an option I can endorse: sometimes ; )

[MN Dave]

I'm getting better all the time!

[Brahmsian]

I can acknowledge that he likely is the very best composer of all time, just not my favorite.

[Opus106]

I can acknowledge that he likely is the very best composer of all time...

How? Why?

[Brahmsian]

How? Why?

Notice the word "likely".  It's pretty much universally acknowledged, especially by the composer brethren.

[DavidRoss]

How many times can we vote? 

[MN Dave]

How many times can we vote?

Well, do it once, then try for more.

[Brahmsian]

We are talking about Sebastien Bach of Skid Row, correct? 

[MN Dave]

no no no

Barbara Bach!

[DavidW]

I voted yes but I'm saying no now.  How can he be the very best if he never wrote an opera?

Listening to Handel's Alcina Act II this AM, wonderful music that might not be the very best, but simply can not be found by the very best. 0:)

 

[knight66]

He is my favourite. But I make no claims beyond that.

Mike

[Todd]

no no no

Barbara Bach!

Indeed.  (Shown here in her finest screen work.)

[knight66]

"Oh vast Rondures, swimming in space."

I wonder what prompted that?

Mike

[Verena]

Really interesting and tough question. Bach is one of my top 5 composers. But I think it's impossible to pin down what it means for a composer to be the greatest of all. Is it the number of "great" works that counts? Is the best composer the one who wrote the "single greatest" work (if there is such a thing)? What is greatness anyway? It's also difficult to compare greatness in works from e.g., the Baroque and the Romantic era. Also, for me the question always arises whether one can compare a composer who lived very long with one who died young, but might have had even greater potential, as reflected in the works he did have the chance to write.
The composer who might have become the "very best" in my view is Schubert, if only he had had the chance to live longer than 31 years - he created some of the most sublime music at such a relatively young age.

[Mrs. Rock]

Of course he is.