Steve replies to Robert:

>>Lesser composers make quick, perfunctory returns to tonal
>>centers or travel so far from them that the listener hardly
>>recognizes them when finally brought home."
>
>Yes: You don't like Bruch or Hovhaness as much as you do Mahler
>and Brahms, for whatever reason.  It may be the one the author cites.
>However, Mozart doesn't modulate all that much.  Neither does Josquin
>or Byrd.  On the other hand, Reger, Raff, and Petterson-Berger jump
>around tonally like fleas on brick.

It's all in the delivery.  Music is like a pick-up line at a bar--some
people can get away with "Let's go baby," and others have to do a lot
of talking first.  It all depends on what you can get away with.

John Smyth
Sacramento, CA