Norman Lebrecht writes:

>Let's not get behind barricades.  I have nothing against recordings,
>but there is a clear artistic distinction between canned music and live.

Mr. Lebrecht goes on with more little darts thrown at the recording medium.
He refers to a studio performance as "faked" and not "the real thing".  He
turns to Klemperer for a quote of "fraud" concerning the elimination of
imperfections from a recorded performance.  I think his preferences are
quite clear;  what isn't clear is why he makes these distinctions at all.
I'm confident that I enjoy recorded performances as much as Mr. Lebrecht
enjoys live performances.

>I am also sensitive to the fact that people who do not live within reach
>of a concert hall need recordings to satisfy their musical cravings.

There could be 10 concert and opera halls within walking distance of my
home, and recordings would still be the basic way I satisfy my musical
cravings.  Some individuals do not particularly like live musical
performances.  Is there some problem understanding that concept?

Personally, I have no issue with those who love and prefer live performance
and would appreciate an equal amount of reciprocation without value
judgements being included.

Don Satz
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