I can't speak for Denis Fodor, as I'm not totally sure whether he believes the Canon simply exists, or if he feels that it is an acual *requirement* for CM appreciation. As for me, I'm *not* pushing for any Canon requirement for CM appreciation at all... But it I do believe it *exists*... in that it obviously *is* what radio stations, the majority of live performance programs (particularly obvious when you include sub-professional level performances... Beginning student groups are *raised* on a progression through the Canon), and general information sources (such as general encyclopedias) FEED to you. Certainly, you don't have to accept what they feed you, and there are other ways to land on what you truly like as many have already noted... but those ways would take a lot more work, effort, and perseverance... and that ain't *most* people. Albie