Opera Reviews

Concerning Calendar’s opera reviews: We object to the summarizing of Martin Bernheimer’s opinion in large type at the beginning of his reviews. This implies a factual or non-opinionated description of the performance, rather than a judgment from the review.

Moreover, it makes it difficult for a person scanning the section to avoid apprising himself of Bernheimer’s opinion.

Examples: “A Dark, Dismal ‘Don Giovanni’ at Arts Center” and “A Desperate ‘Don Carlo.’ ”

We feel a neutral heading such as “A Review of the Opera ‘Don Giovanni’ ” would be more appropriate. If people were interested in reading the article before attending the opera, they could do so. We would usually prefer to read the review after we see the opera and form our own opinions at the time of the performance.

WALTER BIRNBAUM

LEO H. CUMMINGS

Los Angeles