Yes, a technical exercise. That's exactly what classical sounds like to me. A vehicle for exhibiting virtuosity. Of the mind and ego. Not of the heart.

No worries about other opinions "being hard" on me. I have my feelings, others have theirs. This is a place to share them. Now, if others think there is some reason why I shouldn't feel the way I do, because they feel otherwise, then perhaps they need to reflect on the nature of individual feelings. It's much more interesting to find out how things are than how they "should" be.

For those who like classical, chaque à son goût.

Regarding my early exposure to classical, just what was on the radio now and again. Musical training was school band with clarinet and saxophone. Followed by 36 years of guitar, banjo, and fiddle.

Love,
Al