Juozas Rimas wrote:

>I think that people who claim to love Cage's music must deliberately or
>unconsciously force themselves to believe they really feel the affection.
>A trace of snobism can be observed here.  In every kind of modern art
>(especially in painting!) there are charismatic personalities to be adored
>by the formula of "a connoisseur has told me it's good so it must be good".

I find the "trace of snobism" remark quite ironic, considering how you say
that people only "claim" to love Cage.  And by affection, do you mean that
there is affection in his music and perhaps it is difficult to find? Or
rather that there is no affection whatsoever? Do you even need to "feel
the affection" to love a piece of music? I don't think so.

I would point out that "connoisseurs" far more often have told me about
the greatness of Bach, Mozart and Beethoven.  Maybe this is just me.  I
don't like modern art simply because someone tells me it is worthwhile,
and I seriously doubt that anyone on this list falls into that category.
I adore the work of Mondrian because I find beauty, interest and
personality--some of the same things I adore in Beethoven.  (Oh my God!)

As far as mind and heart are concerned I compose with both.  Furthermore,
I don't care if Mozart's 40th symphony was written by randomly splashing
ink on the manuscript, or bird droppings.  The notes on the page, and the
sound you hear for that matter, are as mechanical as an automobile.  YOU
are the one that must take it into your mind and heart and make a
connection with it.

Kyle Major
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