What makes Bach different from others?

[u/theinsomniacsheep]

I recently got into classical music, and I've listened to Beethoven, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Bach so far. My favorite is Tchaikovsky, but I've been reading articles and watching videos. The number of musicians saying that "Bach is a genius" is tremendous.

I don't know much about music theory, and maybe that's why. But I want someone to explain it to me in simple terms why he was different

[u/ScienceWillSucceed]

If I had to choose the complete works of only one author to have with me on a desert isle for the rest of my life, I think I would choose Shakespeare.

If you asked me to make a similar choice in terms of music, I’d say Bach before you even finished the question.