Steve Schwartz comments on the subjectivity of reviews.  But let me draw a
comparison.  While four people might sit down and eat the same meal, they
would come away with 4 different opinions.  However the amount of salt,
surgar, meat, eggs in the meal is objectively measurable, as is the
temperature that the souffle was cooked at, and whether or not it had
fallen.

A fine reviewer gives both these objective details of the performance,
and combines them with judgement.  That Barenboim follows the traditional
tempi and performance practice of Beethoven is an objective observation,
measurable with a microphone and metronome, whether his rendering of that
performance tradition is superior to others must combine the objective
(choices made) with the subjective, judgement on these choices.

stirling s newberry
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