Karl Miller >While I don't have any statistics I can believe on the subject, my guess >is that we get the bulk of our classical music though loudspeakers. I >believe this is because it is more convenient and more cost effective >and provides us with a great variety of choice. And because recordings transcend time and space. There are just so many compositions a musician can learn or present, just so many performances anyone can attend. There are fewer limits wnen you can bring into your home--repeatedly--works presented and preserved all over the world over many years--and hear any of tham at the moment of your own choosing. >Bernstein's...point was that orchestras have become museums. I believe >they have always had a bit of that as a part of their function. Yes, and that is OK. Museums are good. They sure don't transcend space but you can go to them for a huge variety of experiences. >While it might not be dead, some "statistics" seem to suggest that the >orchestras are not invigorating the repertoire. Not enough, no, but some orchestras in various places are, and recording it too. >As for the attendees being older...well, as we live longer, maybe there >will be a greater potential audience for classical music. As it happens, I attended an 11:15 AM concert yesterday, in Milwaukee, and was startled to see at the door afterwards at least half a dozen luxury buses from local retirement homes, which represented the demographics of quite a significant portion of the audience. Jim Tobin