The New York Times classical music critic Anthony Tommasini recently did a series exploring the question: Who are the greatest composers of all time? He said, in his introduction to the project:
What makes great music great? There are lots of ways to answer. Here’s a playful approach: make a list of the Top 10 composers in history. A gimmick? Sure, but one worth using if you have to defend your choices. What goes into a decision to put certain composers on such a list or to keep them off? Should influence matter, or just the works themselves? What about popularity? Are there any objective criteria?He spent two weeks looking at the candidates, responding to readers questions, and finally came out with his list (Spoiler Alert: Bach wins!)--which is a fun little analysis of "not monumental idols but living, compelling presences."
Anyway, if film institutes can issue lists of best movies, and rock magazines tally the greatest albums, why can’t a classical music critic give it a try, too?
On the list, Bach is the only one we've chosen for this little project. And the final slot goes to Bartok (who, with Stravinsky and Wagner round out the Moderns)--but I can't really forgive that. Bartok is nothing to Mahler. It was a fascinating project, garnering over 1500 comments. I highly recommend you check out the videos and articles dedicated to particular time periods:
+ The Romantics
+ The Female Factor
+ Verdi and Wagner
+ The 20th Century Masters
+ The Vienna Four Part One and Part Two
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