Kevin Sutton wrote: I was recently in San Salvador performing with the National Symphony >Orchestra there and was referred to as Maestro by everyone that I met. >In that culture it is a title of courtesy and respect and although I have >never, ever, insisted that anyone call me maestro, I appreciated the >sincerity with which it was conferred upon me. This is a half true. Of course countries which use the same language, not neccesarily have the same habits, but is easy to understand each other easier than countries with a different language.For that reason,i understand why Salvadorenos,use the word Maestro almost in the same way many people use it in my country.But it doesn't mean it is correct. As i told in a previous E-Mail that word is pauperized now, and i feel guilty of it too,because sometimes i use it with many people who don't really deserve it,but i do it just for courtesy.In this case it is acceptable.Usually, most people from Castilian speaking countries,are very friendly and hospitalarious toward the foreighners,but believe me:If somebody call somebody:Maestro,not necesarily means that guy thinks in the real significance of that word. But here is a different story.I think (if i don't mistake) Mr." Duke"was speaking about a real significance of words,and specially when them are used in a writing discussion. >The word, after all, means "master" or one who has mastered his or her >craft. It could be equally applied to a master cabinet maker or a jeweler >or anyone else who has attained a high level of mastery over a subject or >craft. Well,according to the linguistic significance of the word,Kevin is rigth. >... If someone calls me "maestro" I take it as a fine and high >compliment. If I choose to call another musician "maestro" I mean it out >of a great deal of respect for that person's achievemnets and abilities. I agree with it. In general terms, i think outside of the public relations protocole,the word Maestro should be "Economized". Greetings. Gerardo:.