Ed: I think you are probably right, that we do need to re-read things
as well as listen to them more than once to really get  more than the
essence of them.

Now I am studying the works of Debussy, since I am a life-long piano
student. I thought I did like Debussy because I was familiar with Clair
De Lune and Sunken Cathedral.

So when it came time to start "munching" on Debussy Preludes (Book 1,no.
1)  I was flabbergasted to learn of the modern atonal quality of the
piece.  Once I had a second taste of him, my teacher also pointed out
that there are several humorous small pieces in his Book 1&2 preludes.
Just like  a good meal, we can  enjoy all different kinds of meals at
the same restaurant!

Before Classical music list, I thought I liked other kinds of music than
just the mundane over heard pieces, but it has taken reading the posts
that has peaked my  interest in so many different aspects of classical
music.  One of the reasons I learned to love different kinds of music,
was the exceptional quality of the Delaware University Brass ensemble
several years ago.  It was the reason I thought I might like to subscribe
to MCML.  I have learned so much through this website and have not begun
to learn a centesimal of what  is available through this website.

I still feel like I am in K and may soon (in the next five years) graduate
to first grade.  My friend who has grown up listening to classical music
of all kinds, has helped steer me in the right direction to attend live
concerts.  Recently we heard a live concert of the Vienna Boys Choir.
So I am opening up to more and more kinds of music vocal as well as
instrumental.  I am so angry I did not attend a local live concert of
pianist John Novacek.  My friend that saw his performance, read me his
curricula vitae.  What a program.  Not only is he a top notch pianist,
he also composes.  He has traveled all over the world concertizing and
gathering honors.

I think if we want to really keep classical music alive in this country
more than a handful of people need to go to the concerts that the
professional musicians come to us locally to perform.  My friend said
that the room that is usually overflowing, was about a quarter full,
maybe as many as fifty people heard this magnificent program.  I am
saying this to myself as well.

I guess we only appreciate something after we don't have it anymore.
I am so sad to see that so much of the piano literature is no longer
available to buy.  I had noticed over the years fewer music stores and
less and less classical music in print.

Maybe  it is wise for us to look at what we are planning on studying in
the future and getting the music now while it is still available.

Jane Pierce