LETTERS: MUSIC WITH A MELODY IS STILL BEST

To the editor:

Joe Sullivan's recent column regarding his trip to St. Louis to hear the world superstar tenor, Luciano Pavarotti, brought back a lot of fond memories for me and my wife. We heard Pavarotti some years ago when he gave his first concert in St. Louis at the old Arena. I was more like a sponge than a mere listener, soaking up every glorious golden tone and high C pouring forth from this gifted and consummate artist. It was one of those rare moments in time which can never be duplicated.

I have always had a passion for fine music, starting with high school band and classical training at Southern Illinois University, then graduating from the U.S. Naval School of Music. I enjoyed the privilege of performing as clarinetist and tenor soloist with the Navy Band in San Diego during the early 1950s. We had a weekly radio show, and I had the opportunity to perform some of Caruso's favorite songs from his beloved Napoli, including "O Sole Mio." These songs still live today, thanks to fine artists such as Pavarotti. I am happy to be just one of his many millions of fans the world over.

I fully realize that music, like most things, goes through a period of evolution and transformation, but it saddens me to see and hear what today's music has become. The criteria seem be the louder the better, unintelligible lyrics and no melody necessary. My sensitivity as a musician and my inherent musical senses tell me that today's music may well be the music of the masses. However, this old classical horse will always follow the path of the old school and trod where there will always be a melody to remember, understandable and meaningful lyrics to lift the soul and sometimes the softer the better.

WILLIAM H. NEEDHAM

Cape Girardeau