William Hong replies to me, Re: Handel arias: >This sounds like an example of the linear school of musical advancement, >meaning that Handel can't hold a candle to Beethoven, and Ludwig hasn't a >chance against von Suppe? And therefore Kabalevsky is superior to them all? And therfore the Spice Girls have them all beat, right? But a terribly good observation. I never meant anything of the kind of course. Advanced doesn't mean better. And besides, just because I don't like something particularly doesn't even mean I think it's "bad". I don't like apples, yet I recognize that apples could be "good" if someone liked that sickly-sweet taste (IMHO of course). I also recognize that there are "good" and "bad" apples, even though I'm not so keen on any of them. Maybe this is a week defense. Hey, its early here. Maybe I'll have something intelligent to say later. Bob K.