Fidelity vs. Musicality...........Is there a tug of War?

The terms are properly seen as synonyms, not antonyms.

Agree with Douglas and Frogman. Fidelity is musicality.

Musicality is a fine alternative but then you shouldn't use terms like high fidelity. Fidelity implies truth in reproduction and then good recordings will be musical and bad recordings will sound lousy.

"When you go to a live, unamplified performance, of a small jazz group, or even a symphony orchestra, do you sit there and say to yourself ... "Oh my God! ... listen to that detail?"

Music first. Fidelity second."

Frank (@oregonpapa),
There are some really thoughtful responses posted on this thread but you nailed it beautifully! As we both understand that these two characteristics are not mutually exclusive. But given the context and framing of the OP’s question you hit the bullseye.

BTW Frank a few years ago after an enjoyable discussion about our frequent attendance at live jazz venues you took the time to send me CDs of some of your favorite jazz musicians (T. Monk, Cal Tjader, Milt Jackson et al). I still listen to them on a very regular basis. Thanks again my friend 😊.
Charles

Hi @frogman,  +1 As usual. I hope that you're still actively playing/performing these days. 
Charles 

A harmonious balance of both for me please. One should not be at the expense of the other. However, details tend to be much more animated and crystalline with lysergic acid diethylamide.