Mozart was more secular. His era slightly after Bach’s was a period where a composer might be able to be on their own without a patron. The patrons were usually the church or royalty. Bach was pretty much stuck working for a church or royal court.
Agreed that Bach’s work is more sacred but poor Mozart in his final short day proved he could do stellar sacred music with really his own Requeim.
Both should be heard more in churches. I also think it is far more complex music for the avg church organist or musician to play. Even dumbed down transcriptions are probably not easy.
That's a good point.
Bach’s compositions were an expression of his faith. Every composition was “in the name of Jesus” or, as he often signed his manuscripts, SDG, Soli Deo Gratia: for God’s glory alone.
You do realize that a pretty good percentage of the Mozart Requiem was was written by one of his students, Sussmeyer. Mozart died in the middle of writing it. The Agnus Dei isn't really his.
I've got to run, but will be back later this afternoon. One of my favorite topics.:)