Which Classical Composer had the greatest legacy?

[cybrxkhan]

I myself am not too fond of classical music (althuogh i have ridiculously much more respect for it than want kids listen to these days), but I just thought I'd ask everyone here...

Which classical composer has had the greatest legacy? You can choose as many as necessary in the above poll.

This does not necessarily mean your "favorite" composer. Below is what I mean by "legacy" (althuogh there can be more possible definitions):

- Influence on music of the time
- Influence on music to come
- Popularity during life
- Popularity after lifetime
- Popularity in pop culture today
- General Musical Capabilities

 

[Tee Kay]

In terms of overall influence, Mozart or Bach imho.

 

[Perfection]

Beethoven because of that dog movie.

 

[cybrxkhan]

My vote was JS Bach.

 

[philippe]

i voted for several composers

 

[cybrxkhan]

Anyhow, Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaichovsky, Debussy, would come close to second on my list.

 

[Trajan12]

Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Thcaikovsky, Vivaldi. I picked them cause they're like the only ones I know...

 

[Integral]

Bach or Mozart, probably, though I have a certain respect for Tchaichovsky.

 

[Cheezy the Wiz]

For sheer fame, Mozart. For lasting impression upon the foundation of classical music, probably Bach or Guiseppe Torelli, two of the characters responsible for forming what we know as a symphony.

 

[shortguy]

For lasting impression upon the foundation of classical music, probably Bach or Guiseppe Torelli, two of the characters responsible for forming what we know as a symphony.

Isn't Haydn generally credited as the "symphony king"?

 

[Fifty]

Bach owned/owns all. People just like Mozart because they like the whole prodigy story, its romantic to them I guess.

 

[Bast]

Bach. No competition for me.

 

[Mirc]

Bach by far.

Now I'm only thinking if I should vote only for him or not.

I'm incredibly annoyed when I read things like "Tchaikovski was a minor composer" (he was one of the greatest ever IMHO), so I might consider voting for him too...

Edit: Interesting that you included Rossini but not Verdi.
Mozart's influence is overrated, IMO.

 

[Grisu]

Beethoven travelled through time to save the world. Try to beat that

A bit more serious, if we're just looking at fame, Mozart would win hands down, I guess. As for musical influence I'm probably not knowledgeable to decide

I voted for Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and Tschaikovski anyway

 

[Mirc]

A bit more serious, if we're just looking at fame, Mozart would win hands down, I guess.

Not really. He was most famous while he was a kid, and a prodigy... Vivaldi was incredibly famous his whole life, toured most of Europe, was awarded medals by kings, etc.

 

[Bast]

Well firstly I'm partial to Bach because he's the most important composer in the Age of Baroque which happens to be my favourite style of classical music. However, I do believe that he has a strong argument for having left the greatest legacy because the classical music that followed styles of baroque were heavily influenced by Bach. His sons took on developed his styles into more in tune with what was becoming more popular like Mozart.

 

[Mirc]

I know I'm probably going to get flamed for this, but I think Mozart had almost no influence on the classical music. Has anyone actually listened to all of Mozart's symphonies? I have... and I must tell you get really repetitive and boring after a while. His style was already used by many composers at his time and he simply composed more.

 

[Bast]

I know I'm probably going to get flamed for this, but I think Mozart had almost no influence on the classical music. Has anyone actually listened to all of Mozart's symphonies? I have... and I must tell you get really repetitive and boring after a while. His style was already used by many composers at his time and he simply composed more.

I have his complete symphonies too and although I've listened to them all I can't say I listen to them often. So yes I agree generally especially regarding how repetitive it gets. I'd say overrated but not necessarily "almost no influence".

 

[Grisu]

Not really. He was most famous while he was a kid, and a prodigy... Vivaldi was incredibly famous his whole life, toured most of Europe, was awarded medals by kings, etc.

I was speaking of present day fame. Any kid, no matter what music he listens to , knows Mozart. I think you'd find several who have never heard of Vivaldi.

Now, I'm sure, among connaisseurs it's probably different, but from the layman's view, that's how it is, IMHO.

 

[Mirc]

I was speaking of present day fame. Any kid, no matter what music he listens to , knows Mozart. I think you'd find several who have never heard of Vivaldi.

That's true.