PREVIN & THE PHIL

Bernheimer asks us to ponder Previn’s qualifications as music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Perhaps the question that should be asked is, is Los Angeles good enough for Andre Previn?

It is hard to imagine that Previn would be continually invited to conduct the orchestras of Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Berlin and Vienna (not to mention all of the top English orchestras) if he were less than a first-rate conductor. Is Bernheimer suggesting that we outrank the great musical centers of the world?

Bernheimer, as we all know, loves to complain, harangue and generally incite controversy whenever possible. He complained about Zubin Mehta’s bravura approach, Guilini’s frequent absences and his less than precise handling of the orchestra, and now he finds Previn lacking in the ability to “. . . generate much excitement.”

I’m sure we’re all anticipating Bernheimer’s derogatory essays on the Philharmonic’s future music directors. You can bet that if he remains “good enough” for the L.A. Times, the complaints will continue.

GREG DOLLINGER

Bellflower