The Elusive Quest: Comparing Bach and Mozart - A Misguided Endeavor

Is Johann Sebastian Bach the greatest composer, or does Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart hold that esteemed title? The debate is as timeless as the music itself, but the question is inherently flawed. Attempting to declare one composer 'better' than the other is akin to ranking abstractions - a futile and fruitless exercise.

Why Arguing About Who’s the ‘Better’ Composer is a Waste of Time

There is no valid reasoning behind the waste of time arguing who is the “better” composer. One thing to bear in mind: Bach had 30 more years of life than Mozart. Who knows how much potential for advancement Mozart might have realized in those 30 years? For that reason alone, such a comparison would be fundamentally unfair.

To put it another way, musical composition isn’t an Olympic sport where we award medals to the best. Nobody who seriously listens to classical music cares about which composer is greater than another. We all have our favorites, and t hat’s all there is to it.

The Legacy of Bach and Mozart's Legacy

The legacy of Bach and Mozart transcends simple comparisons. Their works influenced countless musicians and composers that followed them. It is evident in the way both Mozart and Beethoven wrote works based on Bach’s themes. This homage speaks to the profound impact Bach’s music had on later generations. Even contemporary musicians and composers continue to draw inspiration from these masters.

Listening Experiences and Subjective Preferences

Classical pieces are not objectively prettier, and the instrumentation is not universally more familiar tonally and expressively. These are matters of subjective preference. For those who have never experienced Baroque music, interpreting it through a contemporary lens might lead to misguided interpretations. Similarly, the influence of one composer over another is a matter of historical context and cannot be quantified in a straightforward manner.

For example, some might argue that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was more influential than Johann Sebastian Bach in their respective times. Yet, this claim comes with many caveats. Just as Michael Jordan fans might disagree with those who claim the Rolling Stones are the greatest, so too can Bach enthusiasts and Mozart enthusiasts hold their own without the need to belittle each other.

A Case Study: The American Basketball Association (ABA)

Perhaps a useful analogy here is the American Basketball Association (ABA). After its dissolution, players from the ABA were integrated into the National Basketball Association (NBA). Many of these players did exceptionally well, and some are considered among the greatest in NBA history. This doesn’t mean the ABA was inferior; rather, it speaks to the fluidity and evolution of art and sport.

Similarly, in the world of classical music, Bach and Mozart, along with Beethoven, have their unique places. Their contributions to the art form are distinct and invaluable. We should celebrate their individual legacies and the impact they had on each other and subsequent generations. Comparative arguments do little to advance our understanding of their true genius.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the quest to determine who is the greatest composer is a misguided endeavor. The music they have left us is a testament to their individuality and brilliance. Rather than engaging in futile comparisons, let’s focus on appreciating and enjoying the works of these extraordinary musicians, each of whom has left an indelible mark on the world of classical music.