Exercising the Ears

I hope that the powers that be at the L.A. Philharmonic take heed of Robert C. Hamilton’s outcry (Saturday Letters, Dec. 26). Just one minor correction to his on-the-mark (and delightfully caustic) criticism of the musical offerings. That pattern he describes, of sandwiching outlandish music between classics (the “bait and switch” strategy), is not only of this season. It has been the practice for several seasons.

I can understand that ambitious (and young) conductors are eager to keep up with the “latest” and give new composers exposure, but they should be more discriminating in what they select.

At our music appreciation class, our professor (a young man) has been exhorting us old music lovers to be more tolerant, to “stretch our ears.” But ears were meant for pleasure, not for pain.

SID WEINSTEIN

Lakewood

I look to the Philharmonic to expand and enlarge my musical framework, and even if I don’t like the 20th century composers, at least I have been exposed to them. I also try to catch the lecture preceding the concerts, and that helps my comprehension. I find programming that combines the familiar with the unfamiliar works wonderfully.

JOY PICUS

Woodland Hills

Hamilton’s comparison of Messiaen’s work with an act of military aggression is offensive. Messiaen was a POW toward the end of World War II and knew the horrors of war firsthand. In fact, this experience shaped the techniques used in the work, which Hamilton had a problem understanding. Perhaps he should have read his program notes before entering the hall.

Bravo to the L.A. Philharmonic! This ensemble of world-class musicians is not the static museum many orchestras have become. It is an ensemble moving toward the next millennium with the courage and ability to perform the music of the recent past and present.

JOHN M. KENNEDY

Woodland Hills