I notice that most folks can tolerate only a few minutes of quiet
listening to my Knabe Ampico grand before they begin asking how it
works, where do I find rolls, and so on.  Since this is a 6'-4" grand,
normally playing on 'Brilliant', these folks have to practically shout
to be heard.  Many folks then move on to whatever subject pleases them.

I particularly enjoy putting a classical music roll on and sitting on
the couch across the room with eyes closed, drinking it in.  A precious
few, also usually classical music lovers, follow my lead and go sit to
listen.

I think there are reasons for this.  Most folks are not musical, not
musically trained and not accustomed to listening to music.  (The
[financial] state of many of our symphony orchestras is another
symptom.)  Additionally, a machine is just a machine; no one but the
infatuated lover of the beasts is being offended.

Of course, the music itself is no longer in style, neither the popular
stuff of the past, nor the classical, nor the style in which the music
is played.  The machines, the recordings, and the times they bring to
life are just exactly what entrances us, but these attractants fall
flat on the majority of the population.

Douglas S. Heckrotte
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania