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)