My favorite classical composers
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
There is none like Bach. What else there is to say? I have always been a steadfast admirer of this prolific marvel from Germany. A few remarks on Bach's works:
BWV565 - This is completely my own personal opinion (and based on those recordings of BWV565 I have come across so far, surely not have heard all of those), but I think the best rendition of Bach's Toccata Und Fuge in d minor (BWV565) is achieved by Hans-Christoph Becker-Foss (Track 7 on Pachelbel Kanon and other hits of the baroque -CD, Quintessence Digital CDQ-2017, printed in 1990). Just a delightful piece of music. Search for that and listen yourself!
BWV1046-1051 - Along with BWV 565 and 543, Brandenburg Concertos are my favorite Bach compositions. A musical group called 'Voices of music' have done a wonderful video recording on Brandenburg Concerto #4 in G Major (BWV1049). It's well worth searching the internet for that clip :)
BWV543 - Back in early 2000s Mr. Olli Porthan performed Bach's Praeludium und Fuge (BWV543) at Sibelius Academy (afternoon matinee) and in that fairly small room the sound from the organ seemed so dense that during the Fuge part I felt like I was watching a musical painting that just keeps moving, especially after 4 minutes into Fuge.
Luigi Rodolfo Boccherini (1743-1805)
Luigi is a recent discovery as I heard his guitar quintet on radio and was just awe-struck by the ease he develops the melody and keeps it going on and on. I bought a 37-CD edition of his music and so far all discs listened have captured my thoughts right from the first notes. For a long time mozart was second after Bach to me but sorry Mr. Mozart, Luigi Boccherini went straight to #2 seat. Great job Luigi :)
I will elaborate on Boccherini after going through those 37 CDs.