James Tobin writes:

>My own view is more Darwinian.  There is an enormous production of creative
>work; some of it survives and some perishes, depending in great part on
>environmental conditions it meets which allow it to flourish or languish.
>Some of this may be chance, for instance where a composer lives, who s/he
>knows, whether a given style is current or passe, etc.

Absolutely.  I think the role of extramusical circumstances in defining the
"basic repertoire" or whatever you want to call it is seriously overlooked.

Be that as it may, I have to admit that it has some value as a place to
start for those who have no better guidance.  The danger is in assuming
that that it is a place to stay.

len.