Deryk Barker responded to me:

>>To me it is utterly vain and self-centered.
>
>I don't understand how music can be vain and self-centred.

Oh, music can be jolly and sad and hysterical and pompous, so why shouldnt
it be able to transport vanity?

>>Nikolaus Harnancourt once said that he doesnt conduct Mahler because
>>"his music is only occupied with himself".  In other words: vain and
>>self-centered.  Now would you command Mr Harnancourt that he has to
>>justify this "vile slander"?
>
>If I met him, yes.

Don`t you think that "vile slander" is much too harsh an expression?
What about "strange opinion" if you are critical?

Robert