Steve Schwartz writes:

>The rise of recorded technology, however, has (with certain other
>things)led to, in my opinion, an abnormal and unhealthy situation.  The
>presence of recordings has given rise to almost an exclusive interest in
>the past among the minority who listen to classical music and little to
>none in new music among the minority of the minority who even encounter
>new music

I have to disagree, but for entirely unhealthy and abnormal reasons:
Having no reason to replace my "core" repertoire strictly because of wear
and tear, (accidentally dropping records on my cactus collection),  has
freed up money for me to be much more experimental and daring in the music
store.  I have even tried some Bach on occasion.

The advent of the used CD store has also helped widen my interests, as
peripheral fare waits to find a good home.  (I am much more comfortable
buying used CD's than used records).

John Smyth