Richard Todd wrote: >... Why is it that so many of the composers who've come to light in >recent years, and conductors, have come from Estonia? Why not Lithuania >or Latvia, Estonia's Baltic neighbours? They were subject to much the >same influence, for good or bad, that Estonia had under Communism. Hate to discuss the blatant facts of Life with Yer @ 0610 Local Time - the Czechs and Slovaks are also offering INcredible Baroque Music some/Most totally esoteric = BUT the reason is DOLLARS US $$$$ - THEY ARE DESPERATE FOR "THE FILTHY LUCRE" when from Australia I offered to Pay in US$ (do Not ask how they got from Korea) = I could have bought ALL the "Shop"!! I suspect the Baltic "Ex-Iron" Countries are also "dead broke"?? We will Not Mention Quote from Czech Consul Sydney = It will take Over 2 MONTHS to clear an Australian Bank Cheque in Prague!! & The local bank said "Categorically Do NOT send Credit Card details to Ex Iron Curtain Counties Not over the Net/Web or in any form @ All!. Bill(Y).