Derek Barker objected to a seemingly blanket charge:

>Charles Ives was right about symphony audiences, they are nothing but
>Namby Pamby's.

As a regular attendee of symphony concerts i take exception to this blanket
dismissal.

Derek will understand that my invective is not directed at him but, to
persons who lack common courtesey to recognize their obligation so simply
SHUT UP during music they may not especially appreciate.  After all is
considered persons who enjoy the OTHER kind of music paid just as much
for admission.  To make a positive observation, however, things may have
improved at concerts over the years.  Audiences today seldom shout or throw
ripe fruit at the musicians as was a sometime practice in the 18th century.

Bernard Gregoire
Hingham, MA