Greg Conn wrote:

>Mats Norrman wrote:
>
>>....there are very few today who can compose music like Brahms or Haydn
>>did.  Also just a thought...
>
>I would suggest that there are NONE today who can compose music at the
>level of Brahms or Haydn.

I believe it is not possible to make such an observation.  I remember
reading in the article on Brahms in the first edition of Groves, published
at the time of Brahms' passing.  The author of that article suggested that
while it is premature to make such an observation, the writer suggested
that Brahms might end up being considered one of the "great" composers.
I believe we need a bit of distance to get a perspective on the creative
life of an individual.  It is possible to get a bit of a sense of Copland
now.  I am finishing up recording a 35 part radio series covering all of
his music.  Just my perspective...works like the Variations and
Connotations are right up there with the best of Bach.

Karl