Madam, - Chacun à son gout. While I respect the journalist's right to forthright opinion, Bernice Harrison's casual dismissal of the Azeri musician Alim Qasimov, as heard on John Kelly's Mystery Train (Radio Review, January 24th) does no justice to a musician who is revered throughout Central Asia, has endured great hardship to practise his art form (the mugham sacred music tradition) and has been honoured at the highest international level, including The Unesco International Music Prize 1999.
With respect, her description of him as "wailing" and "trying enough" implies the shallowest understanding of music and leaves itself open to accusations of parochialism and xenophobia.
Far from showing wilful obscurantism, as Ms Harrison's piece implied, John Kelly featured this music to inform his listeners about Mr Qasimov's performance in Liberty Hall last Saturday, a concert which I promoted. What a pity that Ms Harrison wasn't there to hear this moving music. Your reviewer Peter Crawley was unreserved in his praise (Reviews, January 27th).
On a musical and spiritual level, the concert meant a great deal to those who attended, not least the tiny handful of Azeris, whose emotional response to hearing their indigenous music far from their homeland was clear for all to see.
I happily declare my professional interest in John Kelly's commitment to minority interests in line with RTÉ's public service remit.
There are many music programmes on Irish radio, my own included (Reels to Ragas, Lyric FM, Sundays 6 p.m.) that owe him a debt. - Yours, etc.,
GERRY GODLEY,
CEO, Improvised
Music Company,
Dame Street,
Dublin 2.