Harry Pickett writes: >My wife is amazed at the fact I buy many interpretations of the same >work. Also I like comparing the 'new kids of the block' to established >interpretations, ie Hilary Hahn's Bach. I find that having many recordings of the same work is more troublesome with my spouse than the overall volume of recordings. In an attempt to resolve this to a degree, one day I related to my wife that I was writing reviews of discs with selected comparisons. She asked to look at one of the reviews, and I gave her the review I did of Bach WTC Book II piano recordings. She did try to go through it, but it couldn't have much meaning since she has no knowledge of the music. I also told her of my intent to review recordings of Bach's Cello Suites, and related how I had just received a complimentary copy of a set performed on viola. After this outpouring of information, I really thought that she had a new understanding of what I'm up to. She even commented that I'd better have another viola set for comparison (already had it). Well, a few days went by, and my wife asked just how many versions of the Cello Suites I would be reviewing. I told her, "A few". Her serious reply was - "I thought you only had one, that viola set". I explained how I would be reviewing modern instrument, period instrument, and viola recordings, and that one recording wouldn't cut it. Her final response was - "Sounds very odd to me". That just puts me back to point zero. She has no idea that I am reviewing 18 sets; if she did, her little heart would likely start beating furiously and a stroke could be in the offering. So, out of love for her emotional stabilty and wanting her physical health to remain strong, I don't think I'll tell her about the 18 versions. That's the depth of love I have for my woman. Don Satz [log in to unmask]