David Helfgott

Ellen Goodman’s unjust criticism of the successful David Helfgott world tour does a disservice to artists of all mediums (“Add to David Helfgott’s Trials the Hollywood Happy Ending,” Commentary, March 10). People are flocking to hear Helfgott play Rachmaninoff, not because of his technical brilliance, but because of his interpretation. If Helfgott mutters and misses notes, it is not part of the “freak show,” but the manifestation of this man’s afflictions.

Do people love Van Gogh because of his technical brilliance? Absolutely not. Van Gogh’s technique expresses the life and soul of this man and the personal demons he dialogued with and overcame as he applied paint to canvas. The artist, whether visual or musical, must interpret with his own personal experience, not merely replicate what is already there.

Are “Rise and Shine” coffee mugs really such a bad thing? Only if Monet “Water Lilies” mouse pads are. As an artist myself, I believe there are far better things to get indignant about.

MARK LEE GOLDBERG

West Hollywood

Goodman misses the greatest travesty of the Helfgott phenomenon. At the very moment we are feeling warm and cuddly about contributing to the success of an Australian mentally disabled man, we are ruthlessly cutting back all funding, services and care for our own mentally ill and autistic citizens.

As the mother of a developmentally disabled teenager, do you know what I noticed in the movie, “Shine”? The clean, safe, apparently state-funded institute David lived in. The fact that he was allowed into the bar after he pounded on its windows, not shot or chased back into the streets.

Look around you, feel-good “Shine” fans. Our own David Helfgotts are mumbling on the street corners.

SHARON RUDAHL

Los Angeles

Helfgott, with the help of his wife, mental health professionals and friends, has been able to overcome his personal demons and embark on a 30-day, 18-city North American tour. His triumphant debut in Boston to a sold-out crowd was a success, with two standing ovations. This is truly an inspiring story and we look forward to his arrival in Southern California later this month.

DARLENE WINTERS

Orange