Dolly Parton

I was happy that Dolly Parton was found not guilty of deliberately copying another writer’s melody (The Times, Dec.19). Musicians know that in our half-tone chromatic scale there are only 12 different notes, and all the music in the Western World is based on that. Naturally, occasional repetition will result.

When I was in high school in the 20s, we discovered that the new song, “Yes, We Have No Bananas” used the same notes as Handel’s beautiful and majestic “Hallelujah” chorus. We went around singing “Hallelujah, Bananas.” I’m sure Mr. Handel did not turn over in his grave.

DOLORES Z. CASCALES

Woodland Hills