The Man & the Baton
Sir:
TIME deserves much credit for giving public recognition to the greatest orchestra and the greatest conductor in America: the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra and George Szell [Feb. 22].
As a native Clevelander, I am glad the rest of the nation could share such a penetrating insight into the group of which Cleveland is proudest.
MICHAEL STONE
New York City
Sir:
In 1946, I was a member of The New York Philharmonic, and after one rehearsal with Szell, who was guest-conducting at the time, I knew I had to work with him some day. When, two years later, Szell asked me to leave the Met, which I had subsequently joined, to come to Cleveland, I jumped at the chance, even though I loved New York almost as much as I loved music. For to be in on the metamorphosis of a provincial orchestra into the world's greatest (and some of us knew that this would happen with Szell at the helm) was as exciting an experience in prospect as joining a wagon train going to the Oregon country, or taking the Santa Fe Trail to the gold fields of California during the 1850s.
ROBERT BOYD
First Trombone
The Cleveland Orchestra
Cleveland
Sir:
I was disappointed that nowhere in your article did you give a pat on the back to William Steinberg and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Many of us who heard the orchestra on its recent tour in this area were thrilled with the excellence of the musicians and with the greatness of Mr. Steinberg.
(MRS.) PATRICIA N. SIMS
Toledo
Sir:
Regarding degrees of orchestral discipline: Charles Munch would say to his men, "Messieurs, je vous en prie ..."
Men of the Boston Symphony have said, "He was such a gentleman that many times we gave him much more than he asked for or really deserved."
ROBERT D. SAWYER
Boston
Thanks
SIR:
HOW IS IT POSSIBLE FOR TIME ALWAYS TO GIVE A BETTER REPORT ON TECHNICAL MATTERS SUCH AS MENTAL RETARDATION [FEB. 15] THAN ANY OTHER MAGAZINE? YOUR ARTICLE ON THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE CONCERNING MENTAL RETARDATION IS AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THIS GREAT SOCIAL AND SCIENTIFIC PROBLEM. MANY CONGRATULATIONS AND THANKS.
EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER
ROCKVILLE, MD.
McNamara for What?
Sir:
Being controversial is the heritage of all great men like Robert McNamara [Feb. 15] in a world populated with mediocrities. In the dangerous years ahead, no nation will dominate that does not base its actions on facts and reason. Because McNamara possesses outstanding ability to exercise these concepts, I believe he should be seriously considered for the presidency.
WALTON HOWES
Rocky River, Ohio
Sir:
You wasted three pages saying what really deserved only one line: "U.S. Turns Absolute Control of Defense Over to Amateur." How ridiculous!
E. F. LUCAS
Cambridge, Ohio
A Backward Look at Annapolis
Sir: