Don Satz: >Some folks have a strong hostility with Bach's organ works: morbid, >depressing, and draining. Ellen Jane, my wife, is one of those persons. My (completely unscientific) observation is that women generally hate the sound of solo organ; it hardly matters whether the music is Bach or somebody else, women just don't want any of it. Another (equally unscientific) observation: women don't get along well with Bruckner's music; but then again Bruckner was an organist... Instrument-phobia can be a real obstacle (for both men and women); I have a problem with tenors and sopranos, which interferes with my enjoyment of a good deal of great music. I can't say I "like" the sound characteristics of solo organ (the more "open" the registration, the less I like it; mute it as much as possible, then I'm happy), but I'm OK enough with it to enjoy Bach (thank god). However, I can only listen when my wife is away... Ulvi [log in to unmask]