Years ago I was rehearsing a piece for flute, viola and piano by the composer Seymour Barab. It’s sad but true that many people denigrate and distrust their own reactions to classical music out of fear that they don’t “know enough,” and that other, more sophisticated folks know more. When people leave the movie theater they rarely hesitate to give their opinion of the movie, and it never occurs to them that they don’t have a right to that opinion. It’s human nature to want to know more, and to try to understand and explain our experiences and reactions. Do we have to know about blocking schemes and “defensive packages” to be excited when our team scores a touchdown?

Source: New York Times April 19, 2018 00:55 UTC