I saw two performances of Einstein on the Beach during its revival. Glass intended it to be like Indian classical theater where you can get up and walk around whenever you want. I stayed except for a bathroom break, while friends left to smoke. I think Glass was trying to make a state of mind, not just have people hanging onto every note.

Even during Mozart’s time, opera was such a social event that people complained you could hardly hear the music.

I’m all for careful listening, but we shouldn’t invalidate people who listen to Glass the way he intended.