Originally Posted by OccultHawk

That really is very hard to justify. Especially since Bach is widely considered the gold standard in classical music. Other composers that strong arguments could be made for include Mozart, Bartok, Stravinsky, Ives, Shostakovich, Lutoslawski, Vivaldi, and Steve Reich, Philip Glass, and Max Richter. But you went straight for the jugular when you mention Bach. It’s pretty much impossible to justify. There’s always the dig a little further back in time arguments. I could say that the incredible influence of Bach is really a product of Perotin. I could also suggest that Beethoven’s sonatas offer something structurally similar but Beethoven also provided anger and edge. But honestly, rubber on road, you’re right, excluding Bach is unjustifiable. Still, there’s nobody that I want to bump to make room.