Don Satz:

>I don't really have a higher regard for other forms.  I just like them
>better.  My question as to the appeal that symphonic music holds is a
>serious one

Are you shifting your question from your initial one where the first
sentence needs straightening out?

>As an aside, could someone explain to me the huge appeal that the
>classical music audience has for orchestral music? Classical music would
>be a significantly less costly proposition if those large orchestras and
>halls didn't have to be paid for.

If it is the symphonic form you mean, much of that can be accomodated
by chamber orchestras and smaller halls, and the appeal of the symphonic
form as such is in its extended development of themes, I think.  If
what you mean instead is, what is the appeal of the big sound?, I think
a couple of us have answered that.  But maybe what you really mean is,
what is the appeal of that Romantic and Modern music that seems to
call for such big sound? If so, part of the answer to that lies in
the kind of expressiveness--I would even say dramatic or emotional
expressiveness--characteristic of much of that music, as contrasted with
the vastly more even-tempered Baroque music that you seem to prefer.
Maybe it comes down to personality differences?

Jim Tobin