Michael: Better than greats

While having lunch several years ago, I told several co-workers that Michael Jackson would one day be considered the equal of Wolfgang Armadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven and Johann Sebastian Bach. One of them was astonished that I’d make the statement. After Jackson’s sudden passing last week and taking into account not only America’s but the world’s reaction to it, I stand by my previous prediction.

There are many differences between the three icons and Jackson. Mozart, Beethoven and Bach composed classical music mostly for instruments and their music was appreciated and recognized originally by the educated and well-off Europeans. Jackson’s music was loved and accepted by people on all continents.

After Britain, France, Spain and Portugal established colonies in the Western hemisphere that included the Americas and Australia, those who became the rich and educated upper class learned to appreciate classical music.

I suspect it wasn’t until Mozart, Beethoven and Bach’s compositions were used in motion pictures that most middle- and lower-class people, regardless of the countries they lived in, came to enjoy classical music.

One similarity between Jackson and the three best-known classical composers: all were recognized for their brilliance at early ages and while still alive. Coincidentally, all performed before European royalty.

Mozart and Jackson died earlier than expected and both were in financial debt. Mozart died of an illness, believed to be rheumatic fever at the age of 35.

Beethoven died at 57 and Bach, 65. Jackson was 50 when he died of a suspected heart attack. As I write the exact reason is under investigation.

Experts consider Mozart the world’s greatest musical genius. Though I’m no expert, I feel Jackson’s genius equals Mozart’s and in several ways surpasses it.

In death, similarities between Mozart and Jackson begin.

Mozart entertained the aristocracy but Jackson entertained the masses. Mozart’s wasn’t wealthy and was buried in an unmarked grave, which was traditional for the Viennese poorer class.Grandiose burials were reserved for Viennese nobility and aristocrats.

On the day of his passing, Jackson is reported to have been $400 million in debt but on the day of his funeral, that debt is assured of being wiped out. Since his death, everything remotely related to him is sold out. The only exception being the sold-out London concert that was scheduled for later in July.

Centuries after their passing, Mozart, Beethoven and Bach’s talent and music continues to be recognized and performed. Centuries from now Jackson’s music and talent will also be recognized and performed.

As for being musically equal to Mozart, Beethoven and Bach and surpassing them, please consider:

Where Mozart, Beethoven and Bach were composers and known during their lifetimes throughout Europe, Jackson during his lifetime was a composer and known throughout the world. And in addition to composing, Jackson danced, sang and acted.

Nelson Graves, of Augusta County, is a columnist for The News Virginian. E-mail him at .