How would composers like Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin and so on find the works of 20th century talented musicians?

[Oliverlogan263]

What would Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin think of

The 20th century talented musicians like Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, members of The Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Earth Wind and Fire, Queen and so on?

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If they performed a bit for each other, talked about (their) music, and were interested in each other's style (at first hand at least), how would the conversations go?

[NamerOfStars]

An interesting question. I think they'd be intrigued by how much music is a part of our daily lives; before Edison cylinders, you needed actual musicians, and getting more than two or three together was a major event, so music was basically a hobby for the rich. Now, you can hear pretty much anything a moment's notice, and anyone can learn to play.

Man, imagine Beethoven sitting down with Warren Zevon- or better yet, Frank Zappa. Geez, I don't think I'd understand a tenth of that conversation, but still, to be a fly on THAT wall...

[NamerOfStars]

An added particular thought: when most people think of Beethoven, they think of "Ode to Joy". Fair enough; it's a remarkable piece of music. But they see it as calm and sedate; a mellow thing. The reality, if you ever see it performed live, is anything but; it's a billowing, bellowing thing, full of power and passion, very like the man who created it. In Japan, it's something of a cultural tradition to play or sing it at New Year's festivities, and I've seen videos of a group of ten thousand singing it together. While I'm sure it's impossible to keep musical precision in a group that size, I don't think Beethoven would mind one bit; they seem to "get it" in a way that many people don't today.

[Lliam]

Those classical composers were interested in breaking new ground. They expected music to evolve. They would probably been blown away some jazz and progressive rock, and especially by electronics.

I think they would have been amazed by some of Jimi Hendrix's recordings and by bands like ELP and Yes. I'm sure they would have appreciated Keith Emerson and Rick Wakeman's combination of classical and other genres, along with the use of piano, various electric keyboards and synthesizers, as well as their musical virtuosity, compositional skill, and stage performances.

I've seen both Emerson and Wakeman sit between arrays of keyboards and play them at the same time with their arms outstretched to both sides. That's some crazy shit.

And what would those composers have thought of electric guitar, bass and modern drums?

[Joshydavid25]

I can imagine they would probably be amazed with the technology alone.. Little gadgets making music, and stuff like guitars, and the way they were used then.. Not to mention the genres..

[FunkyMonkee]

They would either love them for their creativity or hate them because of their sound.