Play It Again

One questions Chris Pasles’ objectivity in his review of Andre Rieu’s concert at the Universal Amphitheatre (“Audience Dances Happily to Rieu’s Regulated Tempos,” May 1).

Pasles describes Rieu as “the Pied Piper of light classical music” and as having “mediocre musical talent.” One can see where this reviewer is headed.

Pasles goes on to say that “the musical arrangements were banal--souped-up. . . .” It would be nice to know how an arrangement can be both trite and souped-up simultaneously.

Pasles also reports that Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra are pedestrian musicians. This is simply not true. Several of the members played more than one instrument and under Rieu’s direction showed exemplary use of rubato and phrasing.

GARY J. DENNI

San Pedro