Don Satz writes: >... Todd, who's quite a guy. First, he nearly designates me as >the "dehumanizer", then he insults my favorite composer. I don't know what nearly designating someone is, but since you clearly didn't like the word, I didn't use it again. I still think that using supernatural terms to describe the work of humans makes them, well... less human. But then I'm also crazy enough to have thought that hard work & craftsmanship were two good things, so my remarks should probably be viewed accordingly. >I have the feeling that Todd and I are not in sync on the use of the "awe" >word; he likely gives it a much more intense flavor than I meant to convey. Perhaps we're not in sync (see our differing impressions of the value of hard work, for instance) at all. However, while I'm here, I do want to tell you what the word "awe" means. The OED has this to say, which probably illuminates it as well as any single paragraph: "2. From its use in reference to the Divine Being this passes gradually into: Dread mingled with veneration, reverential or respectful fear; the attitude of a mind subdued to profound reverence in the presence of supreme authority, moral greatness or sublimity, or mysterious sacredness." I might even go on to suggest that such an attitude is conducive neither to finding classical music a wider audience nor to helping present day composers expand the art in a way meaningful to all concerned. >I'll head to the Pocono Mountains to a professional wrestling school, >graduate at the top of my class, become "The Dehumanizer" on the pro >circuit, and insist on the playing of menacing Bach organ pieces at all >my matches. This would be quite a sight, I am sure. Thank you for the image. Todd McComb [log in to unmask]