Who’s grimacing?

I question whether, as you state, Lang Lang “quickly learned ... grimacing” [“Their Ruinous Rivalry” by Mark Swed, April 2]. Do you feel the same way about Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, who fidgets beyond the comfort zone, or Itzhak Perlman -- have they “learned grimacing”?

I do not understand why critics cannot simply enjoy the music, wallow in the “gorgeousness” of it without finding fault. As for fingers being a blur, what of the sublime Horowitz? Not chopped liver. I am just sorry that such rivalries need to exist but find it unfair of you to criticize what you see as posturing -- “shallow fun.” I do understand the (sometimes dubious) role of a critic but feel you are unfair to LL.

ANN BLISS

Tarzana