SAY IT AIN’T SO, NEV

Donna Perlmutter’s interview with Sir Neville Marriner was both refreshing and candid (“Musical Rounds of a Knighted Marriner,” Sept. 18).

As a musician, I was completely shocked by Sir Neville’s choice of words about doing some musical things better than others. Saying that being “Jewish and neurotic” would make a person better equipped to conduct Mahler is as relevant as stating that being Norwegian and blond makes a person better equipped to perform Grieg.

Say it isn’t so, Sir Neville--a man of your stature should not stoop to making totally irrational statements associating race or religion with psychological shortcomings.

DOROTHY E. SCHECHTER

Ventura