Arnold Bosman wrote:

>Sadly, you're probably right: it is difficult to imagine a Callas today
>getting a role in a major opera house, or a young Horowitz winning an
>international piano competition....  we've traded technique for expression,
>individuality for easily consumable tags like 'mainstream', HIP, analytical,
>romantic, etc.

While I tend to think that way most of the time, I do find some who
manage to maintain distinction in their playing.  I also find, from
time to time, a critic who supports that individuality in the playing.
Now, for a critic to be accepting of a few wrong notes, even in a live
performance...that is very rare.  Then, in recordings, if the sound is
poor, some won't even listen.

Karl