Non-opera-goer's plea
Sir: It would be foolish to deny Dr Tanner's authority on Wagner; and I've no doubt that his strictures (Arts, 5 October) on the production of Covent Garden's Ring are as justified as they are eloquent. But wasn't he a bit naive to have 'high hopes' of Act II of Walkiire after the disasters and defeats for artistic sense he describes in Act and with Rheingold?
It's an important issue: I want someone to convince me that it's worth all the trou- ble and expense to go to the opera these days, as opposed to staying in and listening to a good performance. As it is, I dread feeling all the negative outrage, all the hor- ror at the injustice being done to a great artist, much more than I desire the deep pleasure and edification (but with lowered eyes and aching feet) of a new realisation of the score, however fine. When will the opera houses come to fear us, the non- goers?
Roger Gard
Maiden Newton House, Nr Dorchester,Dorset
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