So, as in our political world, with its questions of empirical torture, the questionable argument for ends justifying means has arisen. Fortunately, there is more clarity in the area of music.

The mocking comment of “when was the last great Greek play written?” reveals only that this person refuses to acknowledge that there may be other magnificent Greek plays written since the ancient times. That’s like asking “When was the last great play written since Shakespeare”? And I am certain there are people who think Shakespeare’s plays have no merit whatsoever.

The same is equally true for music composed in the 20th and 21st centuries. What is accepted by today’s public was not always accepted by the public of the past. Beethoven’s music was ridiculed. Wagner’s equally so, particularly his “Tristan und Isolde” for its breathtakingly different tonalities. There is much of those two composers that are not performed today. Does that mean that “No one else was interested”? Or that “it’s not worth listening to”?

What utter nonsense.

Trying to expose people like that writer – who obviously wants nothing to do with anything new or unusual – to anything new, experimental, or different is fruitless, for their minds are already made up. I would much rather hear new music and have a healthy discussion or debate whether or not this new work will have an effect.

Without the performances of new music, how else can I judge the merits of the composition? And, for that matter, how can that letter writer pass judgement on something that person hasn’t heard?