Why was Bach a great composer?

Answer 1

Bach is regarded not only as the greatest Baroque composer of all time, but the greatest composer period. His complex usage of polyphonic texture coupled with his highly technically difficult 16 note melodies and agitato and lively rhythms did not just become Bach's style. It became the style associated with ALL of Baroque music. His impact upon music is unprecedented even by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. His very death marks the end of an entire Era of music.

Bach composed works for both performance and educational purposes. He was the instrumental figure in the progression to equal temperment much through the use of his volumes of works: Well Tempered Clavier which showcased equally spaced semitones. His preludes and fugues are still amongst some of the hardest and most challenging pieces a pianist may attempt to play. Bach wrote many works and only few of them remained unrecognized to the general populace. This amongst other reasons is why Bach is the greatest composer of all time.

Answer 2

Many of such composers were pioneers in their approach to compostion. Often you will will find that these composers had very different syles, and composed opposite types of music. Today unfortunatly Classical Music is not paid attention to nor acknowledged for its value in society. You will find however many great classical musicians and composers, people who have put a new front to classical music. For instance, John Cage, and Glenn Gould. I encourage you to research these artists, and hopefully you'll find the information useful. Good luck and Take Care. Dr. B

I would add to what is above in one way -- the modern people mentioned are not quite current. To really see what is happening today in classical music, check out such performers are Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell or the Kronos Quartet. And, for that matter, composers such as John Adams, Steve Reich, or George Crumb.