Most underrated composer of 20th Century?

" Laugh In was a hoot in the 60's, now it is just plain silly tripe. "

That made me laugh!

++ Bartok. Stravinsky too. Why compare? Each gets their fair share of love.

I guessing probably some well known composers of music in eastern culture totally unknown in the west, much less underrated?

Duke Ellington is far from unknown, but still hugely underrated as a top echelon 20th century music composer overall IMHO.

In more traditional classical music world, how about Villa Lobos? He is high on my list of classical composers to explore deeper based on what I have heard to date.

Western classical music has always had a heavy European bias, for clear historical reasons. Are the most underrated composers of the 20th century likely to still be mined in those waters?

"Problem I have with Ellington is you never know what was written by Strayhorn.
Sorta like Beethoven publishing Schubert work as his own."

YEs, but few in the musical "genius" category achieve all their accomplishments in a vacuum. Nor should they be expected to. The best know who to work with in order to bring out the best. Some play bigger roles and may get more recognition than others. Ellington was clearly the boss and visionary, though Strayhorn's contributions were apparently many.

A purist perspective can be limiting. Stick a footnote to Ellington's claim then for Strayhorn.

If Philip Glass becomes underrated, I think the world is in some deep doo doo.

"Easy, I bet 9 out of 10 people would just proclaim it nonsense out of hand."

9 out of 10 people are NOT geniuses. :^)

I would tend to agree with the pack on this one for the most part.

Bach is pretty minimalist compared to most that followed. I'd say that's the standard for simplistic quality to compare with.

Rite OF spring rules.

Carmina Burana as well.

Rock on!

Rite OF spring rules.

Carmina Burana as well.

Two of the more interesting classical works out there IMHO.

Rock on!

"there is only so many hours we have on this earth to listen"

THat is true!

One may as well spend it listening to what one enjoys the most.

For me though, I am always thinking there is always other things out there worth my time that I have not discovered yet. So I spend a fair amount of time treading unknown waters, perhaps more so than ever. Only so much time to mine the gems out there that so far have gone undiscovered.

Also, I have become less committed to individual acts, composers, musicians, writers, whatever than ever before. I have may favorites from experience, for sure, but I find there are so many no hit wonders out there in so many genres that finding them can be a full time occupation.

ITs nice to have such problems. Its a good life!

Maybe the core of Rock and pop culture in general also serves a more redeeming second purpose by helping to bring all those baser elements out into plain view where they are easier to deal with, rather than be hidden where they might strike without warning?

I tend to believe both to be true. Plus not all rock/pop culture is bad/evil. There are more shades of grey involved, not pure black and white.

I always find Vaughn Williams material to be interesting and enjoyable. Good Chandos recordings there! Britten probably deserves more kudos on this side of teh pond as well.

Its a good point that most of these guys are highly regarded in knowledgeable circles but relatively unknown to the masses. Just goes with the turf I suppose.

I have a perfect solution to help get any of these fine yet not well known composers some more recognition.

Hire Miley Cyrus' manager/publicist. That guy is awesome! Just ask Britney Spears.

There is a cost associated with fame though. Public twerking may be required! :^)

Or maybe Philip Glass' might suffice? Never seen him have to twerk TTBOMK.

Shubert,

I'll toss this one up to dispute the proposition that no rock musician/composer can be a genius.

Ammonia Avenue.

Shows that take the rock/pop veneer off of certain compositions and perhaps even many of the great classical composers over the years might be proud, especially when crosses over into progressive/art rock territory.

"Those not alive and of the age of reason before rock arose have no idea of the great harm rock has done to society."

I have to wonder about rock music as a cause of great harm as opposed to being part of the reaction to great harm. Great harm certainly existed in spades prior to rock music. The major World Wars and all that came after those are just the most recent and better known examples.

I am a big believer in the concept of Yin and Yang.

THere are many things in nature that are both beautiful and dangerous at the same time. PEople learn to appreciate the beauty while avoiding the danger. Many might walk up to teh edge of a cliff for the scenic overview, but they also know not to jump off. Its part of survival of the fittest, natural selection, etc. Homo Sapiens have gotten to where they are today mainly by using their brains. If that cahnges, I have a gut feeling that rock music will have little to do with it.