Who were the most important composers in history?

A highly subjective question requiring such an answer. But since music evolved and still does all, composers, to a greater or lesser extent are 'most important'.

Just three examples of the impossibility of a simple answer -

[1] Monteverdi - is he any less than Beethoven in the bigger picture? - how would he have composed for the piano if it existed in his day?

[2] The French Horn. How would composers scoring for it without valves [hand horn] have dealt with it with valves? - the old composer had to allow time for the player to change the crook, the modern composer knew a split second movement of the finger on the valve did the same to enable the player to [for example] change Key etc.

[3] Patronage. A composer in the employment of a 'Patron' composed what the Patron wanted - the style and kind of music required. The composer had very little lee-way. Indeed much of their music was like our 'canned' music in shops - purely back-ground. Even early opera was incidental until a 'favourite' started to sing.

Without the constraints of patronage Beethoven composer music for the piano that was factually impossible to play properly on the pianos of his day.

First answer by Williammtrent. Last edit by Williammtrent. Contributor trust: 25 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 1 [recommend question]