San Francisco Classical Voice

LISTENERS' BOX

Responses to Recent Issues

Correction

Regarding last week's review of Ensemble Parallèle's production of Young Caesar ("Young Caesar's Long March" by Jason Victor Serinus): An important credit was omitted. The opera was not directed by Nicole Paiement, although her ensemble produced it. Brian Staufenbiel directed Young Caesar. A correction has been made in the review.

— The Editors

Music on the Brain

Regarding "Daniel J. Levitin: A Brain on Music": Excellent article! It was well written and easy to understand, especially for what could be a very complex subject. No longer can I plead "no talent" for my lack of piano skills. Darn.

— Judy Colwell

More on Preconcert Talks

Regarding last week's letter on the point of preconcert talks that referenced Jeff Dunn's 2005 article I think it is most unfortunate when anyone talks before a concert. The music has to be able to speak for itself. I have never heard a preconcert talk by a performer that wasn't somehow apologetic, poorly written, and poorly spoken. If you have spent all that time rehearsing a program, why would you precede it with something unrehearsed, unskilled, and often unimportant?

If someone is going to speak before a concert, they have to be as professional at speaking as the musicians are in performing. Otherwise, you have this glaring disparity between levels of preparation and experience. Hire an actor, a radio professional, a narrator, someone with a voice, projection, personality, and ability.

Some musicians have the charm and wit to dazzle an audience with their verbiage. They can talk. The late Karl Haas was a wonderful speaker on music. Lectures on music should be separate events.

— Saul Davis