Steve Schwartz wrote:

>I heard incredible complaints about Beethoven's Missa Solemnis (and it
>was a good performance) in the lobby afterwards, mostly along the lines
>of "what a boring piece of crap."

There was a similar story about a Romanian who was taken to a concert
of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony.  His reponse was how "boring".  Questioned
further however it was found he was listening more to the rhythm which
he was comparing to the richness of Romanian folk music.  He eventually
came to appreciate Beethoven.  I guess half the process of listening to
music is to know what the style is and its features.

Tim Horwood