CLASSICAL RADIO, CONT.

I’m surprised that no one has mentioned the biggest problem with KUSC’s recent format: There was no substance (Letters, Dec. 15).

Whenever I listened, all I heard were bonbons, regardless of the type of music, except during Jim Svejda’s program. I quickly got an icky taste in my ear, which was even harder to accept because the music tended to be presented as if to kindergartners (again, Svejda was an exception).

The older KUSC was a bit staid, but it did offer substance as well as sweets. What I’ve heard of the newest format suggests that KUSC still suffers from vitamin deficiency.

KUSC could keep its classical format and still be innovative and adventurous by playing more than token amounts of music written during most of our lifetimes, including classical music of the 1980s and ‘90s, which exists in many styles. Then maybe it would attract a new audience.

STEPHEN MERRITT

Northridge

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The reason we don’t want our Mozart mixed with Soundgarden is the same reason we don’t teach Bulwer-Lytton to English students anymore. A classic is not made on demand and is seldom understood in its time. It is the passage of time that determines what is classic and what was a passing pop fad. If my temporary tastes require an eclectic mix of music, then allow me to spin my own dial.

TOM SITO

Woodland Hills

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KUSC’s bridge to the future should be in exposing listeners to new compositions, new recordings, education that does not talk down to the listener and even new types of music (yes, there is even a place for classical guitar), all in the classical music genre.

Now excuse me while I “evolve” as a listener by switching to my favorite Spanish music station.

CHARMAINE E. HIDALGO

Los Angeles

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The problem with the “New Sound of Classical Music” was not just that there wasn’t very much classical music, but that it was an endless sermon on political correctness. We were constantly hammered with the gender and ethnicity of composers, bilingual announcing, ethnic news, esoteric Third World music and environmental news.

Sure, lots of us like jazz and show tunes, but it is difficult enough to program a universally acceptable classical play-sheet, let alone to complicate it with relentless eclecticism peppered with arrogant preachiness.

WILLIAM R. SNAER

Arcadia

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We are blessed here in Santa Barbara with access to four classical music stations: KUSC (Los Angeles, via the KFAC transmitter), local KDB, KCBX (San Luis Obispo) and KKGO (Los Angeles).

What is needed in our diverse society is a diversity of radio music, rather than being limited to a narrow choice of music forced on us all.

DALE C. KRAUSE

Santa Barbara