Beethoven was black!

[astrotoy]

I would say that we have to be a little careful in choosing who are the great composers.   It partly depends on the era.  Bach was known in the era of Mozart and Beethoven, but not generally considered one of the greats, until Mendelssohn rediscovered him.  Same with Schubert, where many of what we now consider greatest compositions weren't even played until many years after his death.  During a composer's lifetime, it is particularly hard to judge what is great about them.  For example, during his lifetime, Beethoven's first symphony was his most popular symphony and his most popular piece was his Septet.  Other composers have been rediscovered or gained in popularity after decades of obscurity. Mahler is a good example.  Still others had great fame for an extended period and then faded into relative obscurity, for example both Telemann and Graupner were more highly ranked than Bach for the position of Leipzig's Kapellmeister.   

 

Larry