Not the Same Song

Regarding “Oscar’s Big Song Squabble” (by Robert W. Welkos, Feb. 24):

Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds’ production, not to mention Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey’s typically over-the-top performances, is dreadful. He and his songstresses have buried the wonderful song “When You Believe” so deeply under overproduction that the song becomes lost. The minute I hear it on the radio, I turn it off.

Not until I saw “The Prince of Egypt” did I hear the message conveyed in Stephen Schwartz’s usual fine craftsmanship. It is the version of the song in the movie that holds any depth, nuance and resonance. Edmonds’ version contains vocal histrionics by two singers that wouldn’t know how to emotionally connect to material if their lives depended on it.

Mr. Schwartz, I hope you win on Oscar night.

JAMES DONATO

Los Angeles

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Contrary to the article, only the speaking voice of Pocahontas was supplied by Irene Bedard.

The spectacular vocal performance of “Colors of the Wind” heard in the film, which to my taste completely eclipsed the lackluster pop version, was by Judy Kuhn. Kuhn (who appeared on stage in “Sunset Boulevard”) had also sung the song in the original demo version submitted to the studio by the composers.

RUSSELL FRAZIER

Montrose