Jeremy McMillan lamented:

>Even when I play a fiery or gallant piece, such as the "Revolutionary"
>etude or the "Heroic" polonaise by Chopin, my peers would tell me to
>play something else.  IT'S TORTURE!

You, know, Jeremy, one of the reasons I have been a member of this list
is because I personally know few people who share my love of the music.
My wife, and a few others, do like some of it, but not enough to discuss
it.  I'm not a member of any organized religion, but I do see the truth
of the statement, more or less verbatim, from the New Testament, "Do not
throw your pearls before swine, lest they turn upon you and trample you."
I understand this to mean: Do not reveal your truth to others unless
they are ready to hear it.  Maybe you should try a less direct approach
to introducing the music to your peers.  Also, be very thankful that you
can play the Chopin at 17.  You have a gift that not many people have.
Hang in there.

Ron Chaplin
Iselin, NJ, USA