Confusing Glamour, Art

Having seen the premiere of Igor Stravinsky’s Requiem Canticles some 30 years ago, I can appreciate the excitement surrounding the premiere of Esa-Pekka Salonen’s new orchestral work (“An Ode to L.A.,” Jan. 18). However, when Times music critic Mark Swed claims that “there is nothing to equal the meaningful experience of hearing a new piece of its time and place . . .” he confuses glamour with art. One might just as well say that there is nothing more meaningful about a presidency than attending the inauguration.

PHILIP BLACKMARR

Pasadena