THE EDITOR, Sir:
I READ Mr. Norman Rae's critique on Orett Rhoden's recent performance at the University Chapel in Mona and was appalled that this could have been written by what I subsequently found out was a Jamaican. Not knowing anything of Mr. Rae's qualifications in music, and not ever having read anything by Rae in the other major capitals of the world in which I lived, I question his ability to be a music critic.
While Mr. Rae may know much about music, one might ask if his knowledge extends to the piano and its techniques. He could have been less abusive without patronisation.
His apparent bitterness is probably due to his own inability to attract and entertain lovers of piano music as Mr. Rhoden did so well at the University chapel. Mr. Rhoden was able to fill every seat at the University Chapel and patrons stood in the mezzanine. He kept his audience sitting at the edge of their seats, giving standing ovations and enjoying every minute of his performance. Mr. Rhoden then responded generously to the enthusiastic applause and gave encores that had them all in awe!
Mr. Rae, may I humbly remind you sir, that virtuosos like Horowitz, Claudau Arrau, Anton Rubinstein and others sometimes made errors during live performances and these gentlemen are still rated among the world's great pianists that lived.
Perhaps, Mr. Rae, I humbly say to you, rather than attempt to prune Mr. Rhoden down to your own size, you might try instead sir, to encourage him, praise him and pray that he will make it to the world stage making you and Jamaicans proud, then you and all Jamaicans can boast of having known him, having touched his hands, having hugged him and honoured to having been part of his audience.
I am, etc.,
KARL HAASKROF
Port Antonio, Portland
