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Posted by Paul S on
01-29-2026
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A whole lot happens between the time that someone composes a piece and we "finally hear it". Included in this observation is the fact that we "have to hear it" before "we know we don't like it". Immediately to mind pops Gary Karr's "The Spirit of Koussevitzky", which sounded "pop" to me until I heard it via my current set-up. Here is one example (to prove the notion) of a changed reaction to a piece/performance in this case as being listened to in a different way. I suppose mood might be another factor. Still, there are plenty of performances I have disliked my whole life, even if I heard them differently on different occasions. Also, note that a particular performance might "lift" a piece that I "never liked until I heard that version", just as surely as there are pieces I always +/- enjoyed except for a given performance that "ruins the piece" for me. What value Aesthetics? For comprehensive discussions since Kant, look to Hegel or Adorno. That oughta hold most people.
Paul S
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