Nancy Bunin wrote:

>Since joining the list a couple of weeks ago, I have observed that
>98% of communication is by men.  I'm puzzled - are there many more
>men than women who like classical music?

I don't know if men like classical music more than women, but they
certainly buy more classical recordings.  They also tend to post more
messages on this list.  I wouldn't want to provide any theory as to why -
I think that women on the list would be in better position to answer that
one.

>I'm amazed at the breadth of some respondents' collections.  How do
>they finance this??  And after financing their collections, how do
>they have the time to really listen to it all?

It's all based on choices, assuming you have at least a middle-class
income.  Believe it or not, some of us are highly responsible money
managers except in the classical music arena.  We cut down on vacations,
new cars, etc.  We also invest well, including owning our homes instead
of wasting money on rent.

As for sufficient time, that's also based on choices.  For me to have
sufficient time for music, I need sources at work, in my car, and multiple
locations in my home.  Also, I cut down on tv watching and other relatively
unrewarding pastimes.  It doesn't hurt that my children are grown and out
of the house.  One thing I do not neglect is my family relationships.  I
get home from work about 2 hours before my wife.  I normally spend that
time on music and/or this list.  But, when my wife walks through the door,
the music/computer is history until late at night.  Not needing much sleep
helps too.

Concerning choices, a friend asked me over a few nights ago to listen to
his new recording of the Ries symphonies on CPO.  I said yes, but he called
me at the last minute to cancel because he didn't want to miss the Golden
Globe Awards.  That's a guy who will never have sufficient time for music,
although he gripes a lot about that problem.  But, he routinely shows his
true colors.  If you prefer watching the entertainment industry fawn all
over itself, you get what you deserve.

Don Satz
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