Often, the composition thesis is judged from its score rather than its sound manifestation. The performance and transmission of the tradition is bimodal. It depends upon both musical and semantic communication. This society accords the classical performer a relatively high status, which contrasts with other societies that regard the musician as chattel or hired help. The music tradition understands itself through a priori musical technical rules, e.g., theory.
Theory continues to inform composition and performance.
American music theory often draws upon the nomenclature and concepts of another continent and another historical era. The musical experience is mediated rather than direct. In some cases, the mediated music replaces the direct performance experience, including classical radio broadcasts, CD, and concert video. The mediated performance is sometimes preferred to the live one. This profile, although unfamiliar, may explicate official culture and the American musical establishment.