“Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto gives us for the first time the hideous notion that there can be music that stinks to the ear.” “Strauss has hitherto reveled in the more or less harmonious exploitation of the charnel house, the grave, and the gnawing worm.” Vicious indictments, yes, but in hindsight, they’re evidence of the good old days, when passionate engagement with the music was the norm.