I agree with David Simmons 100% about everything he said.  I haven't heard
the Berg Violin Concerto yet, so that one comment isn't making me too
excited, although I still want to hear it.

About that tingly sensation (ie.  when David hears "Nimrod" from the Engima
variation's), that, I think, is something that all great music does to you.
It happened to me when I heard Mehta conduct Pictures at an Exhibition in
the "Great Gates of Kiev" part.  Another sort of similar experience is when
you listen to a song, it ends, and the the mood of the song has overtaken
you and it takes you a short bit to apreciate that the song has ended.  One
(actually two) of the songs I wrote does that.  (Not to brag.) The first is
from my string quartet.  It was performed and got a standing ovation.  The
second is the slow movement of my symphony, not yet formally performed, but
it really moved those who heard it.

As a composer, I doubt my music will ever get into Carnegie Hall, but for
me, it's the joy I find writing the music that is rewarding.  (However, if
it did get into Carnegie Hall, I'd be the last one to complain.)

Overall, David Simmons said everything I was trying to say on the "Re:
Regarging John Cage" string.

Joseph Sowa
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