Who is your least favorite composer?

[kakeithewolf]

Often, I'm asked by people who my favourite composer is, and I give different answers for different eras: Vivaldi for Baroque, Beethoven for Classical, Liszt for Romantic, and Rachmaninoff for the tail end of the Romantic era.

But rarely am I asked what my least favourite composer is, and I often wonder why. There are composers that strike a chord with us, and there are others we either dislike, don't have an interest in, or even outright hate. And usually, I don't answer this by era.

Personally, my least favourite composer is Alkan. I don't really hate Alkan, but to me, his works don't resonate within me, and they feel empty and emotionless to me. Now, opinion is opinion, but music is entirely a matter of preference. The point is, no matter how many pieces of Alkan's I listen to, none of them make me feel anything.

The works of Brahm's are a similar matter, not of the dislike I hold for Alkan, but an indifference. I merely do not feel compelled to listen to his works, nor do they hold me like other works do. I feel emotion when I hear them, but I simply cannot seem to process the emotions like I can for other composers.

And, at the extreme end, I hate Mozart. I find his works uninspired, formulaic, trite, and overplayed. Few composers have a bigger fuss made about them, and few deserve it less. There are only a handful of notable pieces in his 600+ work catalogue, and most of those works are generic, bland, and rather cookie-cutter in nature. The only reason Mozart ever had someone bat an eye at him was because of the fact he was a prolific child prodigy, making the most out of a short 35 year life. However, he focused more on making works quickly than he focused on fleshing them out, leaving many sounding like rushed student pieces. Given the maturity that would have come with 50 years or so more of life, he could have been among the greatest composers to live, but instead, his works fall flat. In short, I hate Mozart like rachmaninoff_forever hates Bach, and then some.

So, long story short, I was wondering... What are the least favourite composers of the members here?

[awesom_o]

Aren't you the fellow that wrote a piano concerto with only one note?

If so, that would qualify you as being near the top of my list.

Seriously, though.... do we really need such a negative thread?

If a particular composer's work doesn't resonate within you, don't play music written by that composer. There's plenty of other fish in the sea!

It's that simple. Don't waste energy hating things.

Your statement that the only reason people like Mozart is because he was a prodigy is complete bull.

Mozart composed masterpieces in virtually every genre. Symphonies, operas, chamber music.... practically the only thing he didn't write much for was the cello. Not many men in history have been operating on Mozart's level.

Hearing you trash Mozart is like watching a morbidly obese child stuffing his face with fried food in a public place. It's upsetting, and certainly not healthy for the child.

[kakeithewolf]

Aren't you the fellow that wrote a piano concerto with only one note?

If so, that would qualify you as being near the top of my list.

Seriously, though.... do we really need such a negative thread?

If a particular composer's work doesn't resonate within you, don't play music written by that composer. There's plenty of other fish in the sea!

It's that simple. Don't waste energy hating things.

Your statement that the only reason people like Mozart is because he was a prodigy is complete bull.

Mozart composed masterpieces in virtually every genre. Symphonies, operas, chamber music.... practically the only thing he didn't write much for was the cello. Not many men in history have been operating on Mozart's level.

Hearing you trash Mozart is like watching a morbidly obese child stuffing his face with fried food in a public place. It's upsetting, and certainly not healthy for the child.

Well, first off, I don't even think John Cage has written a piano concerto with one note, let alone me.

Second, I did not say "state composers you hate". I said "state your least favourite composer". If you happen to hate the same composer that is your least favourite, that is your business and not mine. Least favourite could mean, as I noted, a person you just don't like, or are perhaps indifferent to. In no way do I want a thread that is a breeding ground for random hatred without substance or explanation.

As for Mozart, in every area he wrote, he was bested by numerous composers. In symphonies, you have Hadyn and Beethoven. In opera, you have Verdi and Wagner. In chamber music, you have Vivaldi, Bach, and Brahms.

You claim that few operated on his level? Each of the Bach family, Vivaldi, Wagner, Verdi, Brahms, Beethoven, Hadyn, Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Debussy, Chopin, Liszt, Sorabji, Brian, Saint-Saens, Handel. I could add many names, but I think my point is made clear there.

And, you must remember, anything formulaic can ring out as a masterpiece. I've even seen algorithms to duplicate Mozart's style, because he so tightly holds to rigid Classical structure, a crutch he relied on instead of ingenuity and artistry, of which he showed very little.

You can act like I'm an abomination before man for having an opinion, but it is fair to remind you that the death of opinions shall be shortly follow by the death of art.

[cabbynum]

My least favorite would have to be Schumann, but I still like some of his works. I would certainly listen to his music before any of the pop artists today!


My only comments on Mozart are these. I can agree with the formulaic way he wrote pieces. I can also agree that many of them have the same feel and are very thin. But , that being said. Many of his works do resonate with me. I am a huge fan of his d minor concerto, I was chatting with a member from piano street and they didn't think it was Mozart the first time he heard it. His symphony no.25 is also fantastic, I can name many others. Over all I'd say I'm a Mozart fan. But I can see your point.

[awesom_o]

It's perfectly ok to have an opinion. I'm just encouraging you to keep your mind open to the possibility of reassessing your opinions in future as your experience level grows.

[kakeithewolf]

It's perfectly ok to have an opinion. I'm just encouraging you to keep your mind open to the possibility of reassessing your opinions in future as your experience level grows.

I do reassess my opinions from time to time. But, sometimes, circumstance finds it that the original assessment makes the same logical sense as before.

[awesom_o]

I'm just saying... when I was 16 I didn't like Mozart very much. Now he is one of my favourite composers, and his work brings me much joy!

There are plenty of composers who I disliked at 16 and continue to dislike now, but I try to keep those types of opinions to myself.

If I don't like the works of some particular composer who is generally recognized to be a great composer, it does me no service to loudly speak of how uninspired I find his works to be....

[outin]

If I don't like the works of some particular composer who is generally recognized to be a great composer, it does me no service to loudly speak of how uninspired I find his works to be....

Now why is that?

I know...must be because of the establishment... I think you as an individual are as good as anyone to challenge it 

It's always more healthy when people voice their opinions...and opinions are allowed to change too, it doesn't mean they were less valuable.

[awesom_o]

I'm not a big fan of Prokofiev.  Certain aspects of his craft were dazzling, but overall I find his aesthetic lacking in beauty.

[outin]

I'm not a big fan of Prokofiev.  Certain aspects of his craft were dazzling, but overall I find his aesthetic lacking in beauty.

I haven't been able to establish any kind of relationship with him, I guess I just don't get it.

[thalbergmad]

My least favorite would have to be Schumann 

Mine too.

Thal

[outin]

I think naming one least favorite composer would simplify things too much. There's a group that I find quite annoying and don't listen to voluntarily. Then there are some that are just mostly too boring to keep my attention. Then some I'm quite indifferent about. Many have composed individual works that I enjoy but are generally not to my taste. Then there are those who I can listen to if I am in the mood, but I would not feel too bad if I had to live without. Quite a few have written really wonderful music, but also some less interesting. And then there's a group that manage to score with me most of the time.

Then there are quite a few that I've just began to explore (20th century stuff) but I can already tell that they do have a good change to become dear to me.

Since I listen to almost exclusively piano and chamber music, those who mainly wrote orchestral stuff might not even get to my list...

[awesom_o]

For a long time I really disliked Alkan. I found his music to be childish-sounding, despite its immense virtuosity.

The more I read about Alkan and the more I listened to Alkan, the more I realized that his music is absolutely first-rate.

I had the same experience with Medtner. At first I gave Medtner lukewarm reviews. The more Medtner I played, the more deeply I fell in love with his ideas. Today he is another of my favourites!

[chicoscalco]

I think the idea of the thread is not bad, but I believe we must have the humility to understand that the great composers are great for a reason. Everyone has a particular taste and opinion, but going as far as to "proving" Mozart wasn't a great composer is going too far for me... I'm sorry if I misjudged your post kakeithewolf, perhaps you were only expressing your opinion, but I honestly think it came out a bit blunt.

That being said, I also have to say that Alkan does nothing for me. I tried to listen to some of his works, but I believe that if they weren't as difficult as they are, they would not be remembered. All of the works I listened too were very simple harmonically and contrapuntally, although I did hear some interesting textures.

[chicoscalco]

For a long time I really disliked Alkan. I found his music to be childish-sounding, despite its immense virtuosity.

The more I read about Alkan and the more I listened to Alkan, the more I realized that his music is absolutely first-rate.

I had the same experience with Medtner. At first I gave Medtner lukewarm reviews. The more Medtner I played, the more deeply I fell in love with his ideas. Today he is another of my favourites!

Could you please provide me with links to some of his music you find first rate? I would absolutely love to get into Alkan, don't get me wrong!

[kakeithewolf]

I think the idea of the thread is not bad, but I believe we must have the humility to understand that the great composers are great for a reason. Everyone has a particular taste and opinion, but going as far as to "proving" Mozart wasn't a great composer is going too far for me... I'm sorry if I misjudged your post kakeithewolf, perhaps you were only expressing your opinion, but I honestly think it came out a bit blunt.

That being said, I also have to say that Alkan does nothing for me. I tried to listen to some of his works, but I believe that if they weren't as difficult as they are, they would not be remembered. All of the works I listened too were very simple harmonically and contrapuntally, although I did hear some interesting textures.

I was, in fact, merely expressing opinion. I just am an incredibly blunt individual when it comes to stating what is on my mind. No need to beat around the bush because people don't like hearing certain opinions. Can't walk on eggshells just to please everyone, you know (which is why being PC is a waste of time).

[awesom_o]

Could you please provide me with links to some of his music you find first rate? I would absolutely love to get into Alkan, don't get me wrong!

[hfmadopter]

Alkan Allegro OP35 puts a whole new twist on fast octaves I must say. Not my cup of tea but none the less just sayin:  

[chicoscalco]

Wow! Thanks, I honestly changed my mind! Although it's still not my kind of music, I have to admit this is really something. Hard to believe it's just one piano doing all of that. Thank you for changing my mind!

[mjames]

Mine too.

Thal

lol

[awesom_o]

Wow! Thanks, I honestly changed my mind! Although it's still not my kind of music, I have to admit this is really something. Hard to believe it's just one piano doing all of that. Thank you for changing my mind!

I will be the first to admit that Alkan isn't my favourite composer... but some of his works are incredible. He was a first-rate fellow for sure! Remember, Chopin entrusted Alkan on his deathbed with the completion of his piano method!  I don't think Chopin would have trusted anyone 2nd rate with something so important!

[outin]

I had the same experience with Medtner. At first I gave Medtner lukewarm reviews. The more Medtner I played, the more deeply I fell in love with his ideas. Today he is another of my favourites!

Medtner is one of the hidden gems of piano music...I was quite unaware of his existence before, but once I heard some of his works I was quite hooked. There are so many composers who are not well known, but certainly would be worth it.

[kakeithewolf]

I'm just saying... when I was 16 I didn't like Mozart very much. Now he is one of my favourite composers, and his work brings me much joy!

There are plenty of composers who I disliked at 16 and continue to dislike now, but I try to keep those types of opinions to myself.

If I don't like the works of some particular composer who is generally recognized to be a great composer, it does me no service to loudly speak of how uninspired I find his works to be....

I didn't catch this before now, but why exactly did you use the example age of 16?

[awesom_o]

It was just an arbitrary number.

[ahinton]

In symphonies, you have Hadyn and Beethoven...

the Bach family, Vivaldi, Wagner, Verdi, Brahms, Beethoven, Hadyn...

He/she's my least favourite of all, not least because I've never heard of him/her.

Best,

Alistair

[nanabush]

I have a hard time choosing a least favourite... I can't think of one composer that doesn't have at least ONE work I enjoy...just for listening, I'd probably say Schoenberg... but if I were to STUDY his stuff, it's really interesting getting into the nitty gritty... but sometimes if I want to just unwind, his stuff isn't the easiest because it automatically puts my brain in 'think' mode.

I went through a phase a few years ago trying to find the most ridiculously absurd looking pieces... so stuff like Stockhausen, Boulez, Barrett's 'Tracts', some Finissey... not my cup of tea.

[kakeithewolf]

I have a hard time choosing a least favourite... I can't think of one composer that doesn't have at least ONE work I enjoy...just for listening, I'd probably say Schoenberg... but if I were to STUDY his stuff, it's really interesting getting into the nitty gritty... but sometimes if I want to just unwind, his stuff isn't the easiest because it automatically puts my brain in 'think' mode.

I went through a phase a few years ago trying to find the most ridiculously absurd looking pieces... so stuff like Stockhausen, Boulez, Barrett's 'Tracts', some Finissey... not my cup of tea.

You actually bring up something pretty interesting here. I completely forgot about the idea of composers we like the least for the purpose of relaxation because they cause us to get philosophical or put our minds to work.

I guess, for that category, my least favourite composer for casual relaxation would probably be Sorabji. I guess it's because, when I put on Sorabji, it's usually for the purpose of retrospect, reflection, and pondering upon life. So, naturally, I just find Sorabji better for getting my mind started up than for winding it down. Sort of like how the appendix isn't useful for digestion, but is useful for the immune system.

[cabbynum]

Mine too.

Thal

I'm not even sure why I don't like him. I just don't.

[outin]

You actually bring up something pretty interesting here. I completely forgot about the idea of composers we like the least for the purpose of relaxation because they cause us to get philosophical or put our minds to work.

I guess, for that category, my least favourite composer for casual relaxation would probably be Sorabji. I guess it's because, when I put on Sorabji, it's usually for the purpose of retrospect, reflection, and pondering upon life. So, naturally, I just find Sorabji better for getting my mind started up than for winding it down. Sort of like how the appendix isn't useful for digestion, but is useful for the immune system.

Funny...It's quite the opposite for me. I find music that I don't  understand structurally (Schoenberg and Boulez being two examples) more relaxing than the older more predictable stuff. I can listen to the music with an open mind without my rational side interfering and telling me what must be coming next and kind of spoiling the fun. The high level of predictability is one of the reasons I cannot enjoy classical era music. When the rational mind is kicked out the music can bring out some real piece of mind...Feels like brain massage really...

[zezhyrule]

Hmm I usually don't think about composers that I don't like all too much. I guess I can say Hydan. I don't even care enough to spell his name correctly.  I sure do appreciate him though, don't get me wrong.