Thank you everyone

I didn't expect such a response to my question as to how you got interested in classical music but it's been marvellous to read the posts and I note, with some satisfaction, that many of the works quoted have a strong percussion part or a strong rhythm

I actually also found it moving that people sometimes paid tribute to their parents or a teacher. Getting other people as involved as you is what music is about I believe and no doubt why you ladies and gentleman will play comparitive recordings to friends and make your point or make your point on this news group using those recordings.

I can only say that without the financial support of my Mother who did three jobs to pay for my lessons (and one-parent families were not too common in the 1940's) and the INFINITE patience of my two wonderful teachers my rationale (aged 8) of being a percussion player would not have been realised.

Kind regards, Alan M. Watkins

It was a pleasure to consider the question and an even greater pleasure to read everyone's shared experiences. I've taken to sharing as much of what I've learned and continue to learn in classical music with as many friends as will listen and engage themselves in this music. I'm at a stage where I know a lot more than everyone in my circle of friends and their friends, but I still have so much to discover yet that I continue to be pleasantly surprised by new music as I hear it for the first time. This is happening with Haydn lately. This group is an excellent resource. Thanks!