Being nice doesn’t go unnoticed

I knew Leonard Stein from the many concerts around town where he was a performer or attendee (“Leonard Stein, 87; Schoenberg Institute Chief, Pianist, Teacher,” by Mark Swed, June 25). But I knew him mostly from the music concerts run by Dorrance Stalvey at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. As I became more acquainted with him (he was already an elderly man), and we would sometimes talk, I became increasingly intimidated by his history, his musical knowledge and criticisms, his acid-tongued opinions and his being, toward the end, a kind of curmudgeon.

I did take one private composition lesson from him, but knew his Schoenberg past wasn’t right for my style of composition. But after that lesson, which I will always remember, I saw his warmth, humanity and genuine concern.

Just from knowing him through the concerts and that one lesson, sometimes when I’m composing, I wonder what Leonard would say about it. That was his presence. This past year at the museum concerts, we all saw a physical decline but could always hear his unmistaken voice, whose strength reflected an indomitable spirit. I will miss him.

Matthew Hetz

Los Angeles

*

Patrick Goldstein’s profile of John Landis (“So Long Out of a Spotlight,” June 29) correctly caught many of the nuances of Landis’ personality. However, I felt that one aspect was overlooked: his kindness.

I have known John personally and professionally for almost 30 years, and have never forgotten the consideration he extended me during the early filming of “Kentucky Fried Movie.” I had recently moved to Los Angeles and was improbably hired as a production assistant despite the fact that I had no automobile. John would pick me up at my apartment and drive me to the set for each day’s filming, a gesture that was as unique then as it is now.

John T. Kretchmer

Sherman Oaks