Bill Pirkle ([log in to unmask]) wrote: >Could someone enlighten me as to what public service music critics perform. >How is life better with them here? How about a private service? As I began to discover music (mid teenage years and on) it began with recordings. At 16 I began subscribing to Boston Symphony concerts (Munch's last year). I began to devour what to me was new music (Brahms, 5 Beethoven piano concerti, Richard Strauss, etc.). I soon learned my own response to a performance was not shared by all critics, and that consistency impressed me. At times I would buy a recording, find it very satisfying, then learn a particular critic did not like it. In the future a negative review from that critic could favorably influence me and I would take it as an indicator that I might like the recording. This was a great guide that helped develop my own tastes. Today, I try to get a sense how my tastes and a critic or list members tastes are similar or different, and use that as a guide. Regards, Tom Connor