Critic Helped in Growth, Success of L.A. Music

For purely selfish reasons, I was saddened to learn The Times will lose the regular services of Martin Bernheimer (“Times Critic Bernheimer to Leave Post After 30 Years,” Calendar, Feb. 15). His reviews were consistently characterized by a felicitous combination of erudition, historical perspective, wit and plain common sense. His persistent prodding of the local musical establishment was undoubtedly of singular importance in the successes and growth of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Music Center Opera and other artistic enterprises during his tenure.

He was one to accept with equanimity the inevitable flak resulting from reviews that went contrary to the fad and fashion of the moment. Despite his human failings and the occasional outrage I felt while reading a critique, over the past decades I found Bernheimer’s batting average to be up there with the best. His unswerving commitment to artistic standards generated an oft-heard comment among audience members as they would take their seats: “Bernheimer liked it--it must be good!”

J. S. KLEINSASSER

Bakersfield

*

“SIXTUS FIXED US”

With no more yeasty Fleischmann here

As Clinton to his Newt

Dear Martin deigns to put aside

His Meister-zinging lute!

Through crucial years he plied his ears

To greats, to frauds and lesser

The music scene in La-La Land

Dear Sixtus didst make besser!

PHIL FRANKENFELD

Long Beach