[letter written 9/15/2006]Michael Anthony's commentary "Ludwig van Rerun" (Entertainment, Sept. 10) lamented the fact that the local professional orchestras are playing much "old" music and avoiding new compositions. Maybe if there were some good music being written, it would justify a place in the music halls.
My definition of "good" music is that it have three qualities. First, it should sound good. By that I mean that it seems to stay in the same key, combining harmonics as we all know them. Second, it should have at least a section that is easily recognized, so we can say, "I've heard that before." Third, it should have a theme, easily remembered, so that you can hum it in the shower.
Many said that rock music wouldn't last. But it has, by most of it having these qualities. The music of Beethoven had them, and is being played almost 200 years later. The music of Mozart, Bach and others has been around longer.I may be one of a very few to walk out of a classical music concert because I couldn't stand the sound.
M. Olson, Minnetonka