Dave Lampson worte that the Kronos Quartet's appeal has not increased interest in classical music and Don Satz agreed, saying it has only increased the number of Kronos-wannabe groups. I'm not sure that I mean this as a "defense" of Kronos, but I can hardly imagine that expanding interest in traditional CM is even an important goal of the Kronos. Their persona is shamelessly self-promoting, but most of that promotion has to do with their notion of "expanding the repertoire" and "rethinking the boundaries of the string quartet." (...and generally being cool and modern.) Am I being too provocative to suggest that the whole issue is just something brought up by people who don't care much for them (for their music, their 'vulgarity,' or whatever other reason), but are looking for an excuse not to dismiss them? Still in the camp that enjoys them, even if they did make Purple Haze seem long at 3 minutes, P.S. Thanks to all for the great 'modern chamber works' suggestion posts. William