The critics generally don't change how the music is actually played as much
as how we perceive the music which is played.  The main purpose of critics,
at least for me, are to give me different points of view on the music I
heard and different interpretations.

Of course, some critics can be taken seriously, and other's can't.  If
the critic is -- god forbid -- a philistine who can't tell the difference
between a clarinet and a flute, obviously he/she cannot be taken seriously.
Perhaps that's something of an exaggeration, but that's the basic point.

As for political things, I really don't know.  I'm really no expert on
criticism, so take my opinions lightly.:)

"Etha Williams" <[log in to unmask]>