Hello, This is the first time I have submitted anything to the site, but
I must confess I've been subscribed to the site for over a year.  I have
read the list submissions with interest and have catalogued information
I am most interested in.  I do not have any particular professional or
academic background in classical music, but I have found myself becoming
more and more immersed in the classics.  I have particular interest in the
composers Beethoven and tchaikovsky and am intending to set up a website
about both of them, although they are not yet active (I own the domains
www.tchaikovsky.co.uk and www.beethoven.cc).  I have some ideas of my own,
but would be interested if people on the list could give some ideas as to
how I could develop the sites or send me information regarding the
composers.

I read with great interest the subject of classical music and the young
that was debated on the list (I am now 27).  You maybe interested to hear
my story of how I came to love classical music.  Before I was 17 I had no
interest in classical music at all.  Then one day I found an old recording
on cassette tape of Beethoven's 6th Symphony (Pastoral).  I played the
tape, and was instantly hooked.  I then played the tape to my Mum, who
told me that when I was a baby she would play me that same tape because
it calmed me and would stop me crying.  Somehow, I felt I had made an
instant connection with my infancy through Beethoven.  From that day I
"rediscovered" classical music, I have gradually broadened my listening
to many composers, though Beethoven still remains my favourite.

Anyway, I've now broken the ice and I'm sure I will contribute more to the
list.  I would really appreciate some feedback on the websites.

Alex Atkin // [log in to unmask]