The Hollander flies

Bernard Holland has written a first rate piece about the critical malaise of reviewing a brand spanking new never-heard-before piece. 

Give me your hand, your time and your devotion, says the ambitious composer, and I shall lift you to a level of understanding that will make you love me. Beware of disliking my new piece lest you betray your ignorance. If anyone asks you what you think, just reply that you need to understand me better. Then change the subject.

All this in light of Nico Muhly's anticipated premiere tonight at Harris Theater, of which I will be in attendance but not reviewing.