I've written an article on why programming a more diverse group of composers, both historical and modern, has been such a rewarding journey of discovery (free to view, for now): www.notesfromthepodium.co.uk?p=1832
By John Andrews John Andrews has conducted many of the UK’s leading orchestras and ensembles, including the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Concert Orchestra, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra,…
Fascinating, and elegantly argued - thanks for posting. My favourite from Dahlhaus’s symphonic ‘dead time’ is Johann Wenzel Kalliwoda (1801-1866); and of those overshadowed by Beethoven, Antonin Reicha (who knew LvB at Bonn).
TL/DR: Lots of composers were hugely-respected then forgotten; survival of music depended on historical contingency as much as intrinsic quality; if composers won respect and acclaim despite social prejudice then it's likely to be quite good.