Opera as Music and as Theater

Once again we have an opera review in which Bernheimer upbraids the creative minds behind the production for being--gasp!--creative! That’s OK; no one is expected to love everything.

But Bernheimer’s continued outraged cries against those who “destroy the intended dramatic impulses” leave this reader with a sudden thought: Can it be possible that The Times’ esteemed music critic has been quantum-leaping through history? He certainly seems to know exactly what every single composer who ever lived wants.

CHARLEE HUTTON

Long Beach