Comparing composers is an invidious process in which taste usually underlies pretensions to "objective" argument. Debating points such as “Beethoven was more innovative than Mozart and therefore a greater composer” fall down on the consideration that drawing a line between “doing what others do, but better” and “innovation” is virtually impossible. What is “better”? Close study of almost any composer will reveal something unique in their music. What becomes regarded as “innovative” is often largely a result of chance and historical survival. What would have happened if Beethoven’s generally unmannered behaviour had denied him patrons early in his career? Would Mozart’s music have survived if he had not been a gifted keyboard player? Musical taste is really a matter of personal like or dislike. I enjoy a wide range of music, including Sebastian Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. What I listen to depends more on my mood and taste than on some nebulous definition of greatness. Amelia Powys, Sydney, Australia

The music of Mozart can be deceiving in its light and airy manner. But underneath is a great depth and pathos. I find this especially so in the exquisite piano concertos. It is impossible to call one composer the greatest, but Mozart certainly is in the top tier. Thomas Reed, Boynton Beach, Florida

How do you compare Pele and Maradona and Eusebio and George Best? Is it right to say that any one of them was better than the other? Watching them makes one appreciate just what a wonderful gift to humanity football is. It´s the same with Mozart and the other composers, famous and less well known. They each, in their own distinctive way, show us what a gift music is to the human spirit. Alberto McGettrick, Teresina, Brazil

I cannot rank Mozart above or below Bach: we are comparing apples with oranges. I heard it said that when God listens to music he chooses Bach; the angels listen to Mozart. Consider also, had Mozart lived to 91 he could have heard all of the life's work of Frederic Chopin, my personal genius of music geniuses. Carl Thomson, Little Broughton

Mozart's genius cannot be disputed today but it's hard to believe that some of his music was not considered to be "serious classical music" in the mid-20th century. I am referring to the sublime (in my opinion) music of the Magic Flute (1791). Written with libretto by impresario Emanuel Schikaneder for a populist music hall audience in Wien (To make money rather than for a royal patron), it was considered "not quite the thing" 80-odd years ago. Thank goodness we now recognise that genius can be expressed in such opera music as well as in great concertos, etc. Beethoven must have thought, too, that it was a good idea to work with Schickaneder which he did after 1801. John Barrington-Carver, London

I prefer not to compare Mozart to other composers. I think it's worthless and unuseful. Every one of the greats is a genius on his own way. But, there is no doubt, the music of Wolfgang A. Mozart is one of the best and most beautiful things that Mankind had ever produced. Listening to his music is simply a blessing. Thanks for remembering him. Miguel Gambin, Cartagena, Spain

Mozart's music is beautiful, sublime, and completely compelling. Its genius lies in the simplicity of its musical progressions. He is more child-like than many other "weightier" composers such as Bach or Handel, yet somehow they all lack his unique charm. His masterpieces such as Don Giovanni are the musical equivalent of Byron's very best work. Listening to Mozart is like having a full aural spa treatment. It is the equivalent of a hot tub, massage, manicure, pedicure and foot rub for the ears. Peter Schaeffer's brilliant film Amadeus captures something of the charisma of this 18th-century "rock star". Brahms, Wagner, Debussy aren't even in the same ball-park. Rudy Parker, Boston, Massachusetts

What is a genius? Someone who takes current material and uses it in different ways? In that case Mozart was not one. No, he was very competent at doing what his contemporaries did, only better. No innovation, nothing that Mozart added to the growth of music. Sadly, he was the Andrew Lloyd-Webber of his day. Nick Beeson, Ilkley

Mozart was only continuing the work started by Haydn. Beethoven is the true genius. Ann Finlay-Brown, Christchurch

Mozart was undoubtedly an extraordinarily gifted child, a musical prodigy. His music bears ample witness to this unshakeable fact. Nevertheless, although I rate his music very very highly, his music does not necessarily outshine that of all other composers. Consider Beethoven. There is no Mozart symphony greater than Beethoven's 9th. No Mozart mass more heartfelt and deeply stimulating than Beethoven's Missa Solemnis. Which of Mozart's quartets is more spiritually profound than Beethoven's late ones? It is definitely in the field of opera that Mozart gains the upper hand with respect to Beethoven. Don Giovanni, The Magic Flute, Cosi, are all masterpieces and I would place them among the very best ten operas ever written. Neville Vassallo, B'Kara, Malta

Comparing Mozart to Lloyd Webber is preposterous. He worked within the classical framework of the day because he had to earn a living. I would challenge any doubting pianist to play through Piano Sonata in A minor K310 and conclude that this was just another sonata form piece. Mozart was perhaps the first great romantic composer who paved the way for others. He was a true master of his art; every piece is aesthetically perfect, yet appears simple. God knows what mankind would have inherited if he had lived another 20 years! Chris Pate, London

Mozart did not do anything new, he just did what everybody else was doing but better. There are various composers in history who pushed the boundaries in a particular area, eg, Beethoven with the symphony and the string quartet, Liszt with Piano Music, Wagner with opera. Mozart was not one of them. Iain Hasnip, Sevenoaks

I have fond memories of my mother swearing as she was attempting to play some of his piano sonatas but beyond that I can't recall ever being greatly moved by any of Mozart's music. It's pleasant enough but I find it light and frothy. Apart from his vast output at such a young age I cannot see why his music has captured so many hearts and minds. Give me Bach and Beethoven any day. And Errol Garner! Jolyon de Fossard, Bath