"Judith L. Zaimont" <[log in to unmask]> wrote: >In fact, working out just what one's personal style is nowadays >is tough-- much harder than in Stravinsky's time. In a world where >pluralism and tolerance to all viewpoints are espoused (even if >only via lip-service), the question for a creator of what is *genuine* >becomes quite complicated. The question of "genuine" is, from my perspective, complicated for the critic. As I write this, I am reminded of the criticism that was leveled against Rachmaninoff's works, especially towards the end of his life. He was accused of being old hat, self-indulgent, trite...maybe he was all of those things, but, whether or not you care for those things, I sincerely believe that what he expressed came from within. I think of his last opus, the Symphonic Dances. They were so nostalgic...I sense he wanted to go back but felt, sadly, that his time had passed. For me, that is what "genuine" means. Being genuine is indeed, risky business. Karl *********************************************** The CLASSICAL mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's HDMail High Deliverability Mailer for reliable, lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html