Classical dilemmas

Sir – In an age where attention spans seem to be getting ever shorter, as technology distracts us more and more from focusing on the task in hand, I would question the wisdom of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (BCSO) in allowing the use of phones to photograph and record its concerts (report, April 26).

This will undoubtedly disturb seasoned concert-goers and professional musicians, as was proved by tenor Ian Bosbridge’s recent refusal to continue to sing amid the distractions.

It should instead hold a series of short, introductory concerts, specially designed for those unfamiliar with the world of classical music. The performers could explain the instruments, how they work, and the background to the pieces and their composers in interesting ways than could be related to everyday life.

Surely this would be preferable to turning a concert into something more resembling a press conference. In doing so, the BCSO will lose the loyalty of its regular punters and possibly even the newcomers who, with the highlights captured on their phones, may well not see a need to return.

Watford, Hertfordshire

Sir – The obituary of Michael Tanner (April 24) mentions that he eventually “came to detest” the Hallelujah Chorus of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah. Many will share his feelings.

Quite by chance, on the same day recently the excellent Bach Before Seven on Radio 3 broadcast Johann Sebastian Bach’s Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden BWV 230” (Praise the Lord, all ye nations). The hallelujah chorus there, which dances along beautifully, is to my ears far more attractive.

I seem to be continuing the debate initiated by Samuel Butler more than a century ago as to which of these composers was superior. Bernard Richards

Brasenose College, University of Oxford