Len Fehskens writes in response to Satoshi Akima:

>>Yet they play this music with a lifelessness that makes even the youngest
>>of music lovers envious listening to the recorded mono masters.
>
>Once again I am reminded that I am in the company of sophisticates in
>comparison to whom I have wooden ears.  I go to concerts regularly, even
>Boston Symphony Orchestra concerts conducted by the routinely
>maligned Seiji Ozawa, and I am enthralled.

"Then versus now" does come to light on the list occasionally; it also gets
written about in music periodicals as well.  Personally, I don't know why
any of this is necessary; I don't think it's very healthy.  I don't attend
concerts often, but I buy a lot of music.  I buy what's considered the best
of the past, and I buy current issues of which some are excellent or
better.  I don't give any thought to the notion that the historical giants
are any better or worse than what we can get in current times.  I don't
know the answer to that one, and I doubt that any good case could be made
for promoting one side over the other.  I do have two adult children who
enjoy classical music; neither of them wants to put out a penny for mono
recordings with restricted sound.

I have read that in these days of global communication and fast travel that
conductors are losing a sense of national identity in music.  That might be
true, but the fact remains that each conductor has a unique personality
which will be displayed in making music.

My conclusion is that there is great music performed in the past and
continuing to be performed in present time.  It would be very depressing
to think that the best is behind us, and I don't believe it is behind us.

Don Satz
[log in to unmask]