Part of what makes music so interesting is the lack of consensus on just about any given topic.
Michael HerschI don't think performance out of duty yields very much. Coercion is never the way to go.
Michael HerschMazur was a remarkable artist. During our time in Rome we became friends. I would often perform my works for him at the piano.
Michael HerschI don't think the role of the critic has changed very much. In the most positive sense, the music critic is one who helps the public navigate what's out there, especially in bringing attention to things they otherwise wouldn't hear about, or to provide a new window into something familiar.
Michael Hersch