Carreras at the Greek

What was the purpose of Martin Bernheimer’s blisteringly smug review of Jose Carreras’ appearance at the Greek Theatre (“Jose Carreras Wows ‘Em,” May 18)? To chide the audience for its enthusiasm and its breaches of sacred concert-hall etiquette? To take to task the Greek’s staff for errors in the program notes or turning on the house lights at the wrong time?

Yes, the amplification was tinny. Yes, the orchestra lost tempo, more than once. But it seemed to me (and apparently to 6,000 other fans) that Carreras deftly overcame even these glaring lapses to stir us with his “Great Opera Hits” and “zarzuela ditties.” He handled the evening with grace and charm--and humor. Which is more than we can say for Bernheimer.

It’s not a perfect world. Carreras knows that, and lately we in Los Angeles have been reminded of that all too painfully. So it’s important to recognize something worthwhile when you see it.

STEPHEN DOLAINSKI

Studio City