The upside of these self-imposed explorations of the complete works of famous composers is that I get to experience something very few ever do.

The downside, especially after a number of months (in this case over four…and counting!), is:

1. I run the risk of getting bored with a composer’s works (baryton trios, for example),

2. I discover that everything a composer did is not golden (in other words, he’s human),

3. I discover the flaws and foibles of a composer heretofore elevated to god-like status (see #2),

4. I find it difficult to write about each day’s audio fare without being repetitious or boring

Take today’s baryton trios, for example.

They’re actually quite good.

Tracks 7 and 8 (both from Baryton Trio No. 113 in D) are quite superb, indeed. Both tracks jumped out at me as I wrote this morning’s blog.

Most of today’s trios are what I’d consider excellent. In fact, I’d regard No. 113 as a “FAVORITE!” among Haydn’s baryton trios.

But what does that mean? What is favorite? What is not-favorite?

Ultimately, the hell difference does it make what I think of Haydn’s compositions?

Let me share something with you.

Zen is a practice that concerns itself with direct experience of what is, moment after moment after moment. If one wants to know what a Continue reading →