Singer/composer Billy Joel appeared on Charley Rose' interview show late
last week and commented on classical music in the context of a typical
music listener.  In effect he put the knock on classical listeners as too
elitist and out of reach for ordinary mortals.  He called us too nerdy,
technical and arcane to paraphrase his descriptions.  Ordinary listeners
are put off by too much insider discussions with key signatures and opus
numbers, etc.  Fortunately he credited most 19th century composers with
creating tuneful and recognizable music.  High praise went to Beethoven for
memorable themes.  He credits commercial success with mere competence, not
greatness.  On his creative process he highlighted the pain involved with
much of his output.  However, when the muse is kind tunes sometimes occur
over a span of minutes.

Bernard Gregoire
Hingham, MA