Not recognized in their lifetime?


I have appreciated the composer Bach for some time, and was startled to learn this week that he was ignored and abused during his own lifetime. The music that he wrote covers a broad range of types and styles, though it was mainly written to be performed in church. It is majestic and mathematical at the same time. Johann Sebastian Bach died poor, and his wife died in a home for destitute women.. On her death bed she was quoted as asking God not for anything for herself, but that her husbands music should live on.

At age 11 Mendelson , took a liking to Bach’s work. It was not till Mendelson's love for Bach's work that it became popular. Unfortunately Mendelson was abused physically and mentally for his appreciation of what was considered musical exercise. Mendelson, a Jew, left the school he attended, was baptized as a Lutheran and began to study the work of Bach. When Mendelson began performing the music of his mentor, Bach was accepted as the genius that he was.

Which other people can you think of that were neglected in their own lifetime, but have been recognized since as having something great to offer to the world of music?
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From a view based strictly on recorded performances, Mahler, and to a lesser degree Sibelius, come to mind, especially Mahler, who's music sort of languished until Bernstein started promoting it in the early 60's.
My recollection of Bach's biography agrees with Duanegoosen's, but I was not sure enough to cite it. The story of Bach is that while he, and his children were well regarded in their times, there was a gulf of several centuries during which he was forgotten.
On an ironic note, I don't think we middle aged folks appreciate the accomplishments of Lennon and McCartney, and Brian Wilson. Yes, they gained fame and money, but do we really appreciate their musical genius, or are they just some guys we grew up listening to. I think people will be listening to them for hundreds of years.
Papertrail, like i said earlier, i'm a little dim. Was that Tiny Tim/Minnie Pearl comment aimed at musicians and composers that you have listened to extensively and know to be artistically insignificant? Or was it a harpoon job for submitting a post that offended you?