I was once, many years ago, in the beautiful old Lewis's department store in Liverpool. Those who knew it will remember its interesting layout: a vast central atrium with the floors rising gallery style. Suddenly, notes of music came over the tannoy. "Oh, tut! no escaping that horrible muzak!" the annoyed expressions all around said ~~ which changed completely as we glanced upward to the edge of the top gallery, and saw a harpsichordist and a couple of lutenists and violists playing the beautiful baroque music we were hearing -- live ! Frowns were replaced by smiles all around. I have been contemplating the psychological implications of that incident, and those reactions, ever since.

~M~