The Misconception of Johann Sebastian Bach as a 'Not-So-Great' Composer

Every now and then, you might come across the opinion that Johann Sebastian Bach was not a great composer. This article aims to dispel such misconceptions and explore some of the reasons why this view is misguided.

Why Some Think Bach Was Not a Great Composer

One of the main reasons why some people think that Johann Sebastian Bach was not a great composer is their complete lack of ability to judge whether someone is a good composer or not. Another significant factor is their complete lack of awareness that they lack that ability.

Other Perspectives

Furthermore, there are individuals who think that Bach was overrated, which is often associated with their views on other artists. For instance, these same people might also think that legendary rock bands like Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne are underrated.

The Technical Aspect

Some individuals consider Bach's music to be too technical. This view can certainly be explained by a lack of familiarity with his compositions. Bach was a master of various musical forms, particularly his solos for violin and cello, his cantatas, and his oratorios. One might find his fugues dry, but considering his unparalleled skill in composing fugues, this cannot possibly make him overrated.

Another Point of Controversy

Those who argue that Bach is "too much" in some sense suggest that his music might be overwhelming or overly intricate. However, such a perception could arise from a lack of deep engagement with his work. Bach's complexity is a testament to his genius and can be appreciated with further exploration and experience.

Bach's Influence and Legacy

Bach was not only a great composer but also an influential organist, holding a high regard for his time. Incidentally, he had three sons who became composers. Interestingly, his sons were more well-known than the father during that era, despite the latter's significant contributions. This fact highlights Bach's contemporaries' recognition of his skill.

Bach's influence extended to great composers like Mozart and Beethoven, although they discovered his work only later in their careers, during their teens. It was only in the early 19th century that Bach's popularity surged, largely due to the efforts of Felix Mendelssohn.

These points provide a more balanced perspective on why some individuals might view Bach as not so great. However, detailing the significance of his compositions and his profound impact on Western classical music reveals him as one of the greatest composers in history.