Bernard Chasan wrote:

>The point is that there are options, and live music is a major one.  But
>casually trashing some wonderful recorded performances ('dead meat") is
>just silly.  It is also true that recorded music makes available a huge
>repertory not otherwise available to the most dedicated concertgoer.

I would add that many classical listeners probably acquired their taste
after listening to recorded music.  I haven't loved classical music from
the day of my birth or even since elementary school.  The San Francisco
Symphony is the nearest symphony orchestra to where I live and the 2-hour
drive combined with the price of tickets limits my access.  I would not be
the classical-lover that I am today if not for recorded music.  Sure, I
also write and play music but I really got my start with cds and records.
I saved the 50 dollars that would've saved me a spot at Davies Symphony
Hall and used it to buy 9 or 10 Naxos cds.  Mr.  Chasan is right on the
money, I think.  Even if I was rich and lived next door to the NY
Philharmonic I could not hear all the music I have heard thanks to
recordings.

Wes Crone (now accepting donations to further my chances of acquiring Bach
2000)