And open field farming sustained the peasants for centuries while the nobles ate lavishly. I don't think I'd like to go back to a diet of maize, oats and turnips.

I can't understand this argument that traditional music must be played as it was centuries ago. Traditions by their very nature grow and develop and take on the influences of the time. If they do not live they are not traditions.

So bring on the chords, the electric instruments, the brass, the jazz synchopation, the Asian and African textures and rhythms. These are the influences of our times. Enjoy it and celebrate it for crying out loud. Don't pickle it!