Reading this thread and hearing of how often listmembers listen to a
recording, I am led to wonder if members realise the effect that the
ability to record might have on the music itself.

Before recording was possible, a composer had to make his music enjoyable
at first hearing.  If it was not appreciated then it probably would never
be heard again.  Similarly with performers; if they were not appreciated
on the first occasion they would be unlikely to be engaged again.

I wonder if this is the reason why the enjoyment of classical music has
come to be somewhat elitist, at least in the minds of those who do not
enjoy it.

It seems likely to me that composers to-day can allow themselves the
indulgence of writing music which takes longer, and more effort, to be
appreciated.  I would be interested to read other people's opinions on
this.

In anticipating replies I can imagine words like "shallow" and "surface"
being used.  I can't hear anything justifying those words in any music
I know.  On the other hand, I can think of no works written before
recording which took me as long to appreciate as a number of more recent
works.

Just a bunch of thoughts!

Alan Dudley
Brisbane, Australia