And here is where opera may be separating itself from the rest of the classical-music world.

Two major forces in the classical-music world reached agreement yesterday on a transaction that is sure to resonate throughout the field.

In a classical-music world fraught with panic, the Met has the great strength of self-confidence.

He has also become slightly rebellious, by the standards of the classical-music world.

"But I don't like the idea that the classical-music world should be shut off from everything else."

The classical-music world is much too small for this internal bickering.

That the classical-music world is in crisis cannot be doubted.

The financial crashes that resulted have frightened the classical-music world ever since.

Still's music affirms black America's strong and honorable tie to the classical-music world.

The changes in radio, and in the classical-music world itself, are more to blame.