Sound of Grating Glass

I’m writing to congratulate Martin Bernheimer, to thank him for his review of the latest atrocity from Philip Glass and to cede to him the preeminent position among those of us who have what it takes to appraise Glass’ work as it deserves to be treated--a berth formerly (possibly) occupied by me (“The Met Says, ‘Hello, Columbus,’ ” Oct. 14).

I managed to endure “The Voyage” for about 45 minutes. I hoped for some kind of forward step, some evidence to indicate a possible answer to the unsettled question: Is Glass not able to realize that his “music” is bloody awful, or is he simply fraudulent--or both? But, finally, the noises were too much to bear, and I gave up.

DAVID RAKSIN

Van Nuys