Dick Claeys:

>I have to draw on memory for this theory, but I believe union contract
>agreements with major symphony orchestras have something to do with the
>diminished role for overtures.  Specifically, in the late 1970s and early
>1980s, negotiations in Boston and Chicago led to an agreement that the
>normal "public performance" could be shortened from 90 minutes to 75
>minutes.  ...

Thank you very much.  If this is right, then my question is taken out
of the realm of changing taste or fashion on the part of conductors and
audiences and explained simply in terms of union negotiations.  Much
simpler than I thought.

Jim Tobin