Don Satz asks:

>As an aside, could someone explain to me the huge appeal that the
>classical music audience has for orchestral music? I've never been able to
>figure that one out.  Classical music would be a significantly less costly
>proposition if those large orchestras and halls didn't have to be paid for.
>Example: take Mahler's Symphony of a Thousand and knock off two zeros.

I guess many of us would have the same problem you have with tarted up
Baroque, Don.  There was music that was meant to be writ large and those
of us who love it, wouldn't be real happy with the stripped down sound of
a chamber orchestra.

Give me bombast or give me death.

Regards,

John Parker