The Sound of Money

“Soundtracks are hotter than ever,” begins the intro to Michael Walker’s piece on recordings of music for movies (“The Hills Are Alive With the $ound of Movies,” Jan. 31). Ah, I thought, someone was listening when I wrote my letter (Jan. 24) on the lamentable lack of coverage about instrumental soundtracks. Wrong!

Documenting how little attention is paid to the composer, there was mention of the Bryan Adams song from “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” the duration of its stay on the charts and its estimated sales. But just who wrote the lovely melody (which shines far brighter when separated from Adams’ abrasive vocal)? Walker’s article sadly validates just about everything I wrote. Film composers deserve better.

A word of thanks to Michael Wilmington, a rare critic who recognizes that music is an important and integral part of the cinematic package, and who takes the time to discuss it with intelligence and sensitivity.

RON HARDCASTLE

Los Angeles