I became enamored of the music of Duke Ellington in 1940. The depth
of his music wiped out all the trash I had previously enjoyed. And it
was a natural move from him (and a few other great jazz musicians) into
classical. I developed a hunger for music of emotional meaning. Still
have it! Still love Duke. Bruno Walter said he had a very wide heart,
with room for many composers. And so have I.
Bill S