No fuss. It just seems to me that cultural products are underestimated as
historical evidence. If you don't think it's significant that for 200
years Britain, in spite of many self-conscious attempts, failed to
produce a musical 'genius' vis-a-vis a Mozart, Beethoven, Rossini, Weber,
Schubert, Berlioz, etc. etc. then ok. But don't forget this was a period
of huge prestige for Britain except in the arts, and especially in
Europe. It was constantly commented upon and regretted in Britain itself.
The ideal of the Renaissance artist was a very powerful formative
humanist agent, and it was quite evident that for all Britain's wealth and
imperial power she was not going to produce the prestige article so
desired. I find that intriguing. I would like to know what it means.
That's all. Ann
Ann Beedell
Humanities
Griffith University, Q. Australia 4111
A.Beedell@hum.gu.edu.au