2 SEPTEMBER 1949, Page 18

POETS ON THE AIR Stit,—Lionel Hale writes: "We do not

want them [poets] 'presented ' to Us ; we can reproduce their melodies for ourselves in our own heads." Unfortunately the majority of people cannot hear poetry in this way—at least, not until they have learnt to listen to it being read aloud. But, quite apart from that, why should the cerebral hearing of poetry prevent us front enjoying an oral interpretation as well? Musicians do not spend their lives browsing over a score. They listen to music on the radio, and go to concerts where there is a chance that they may sometimes hear an interpretation even better than their own.—Yours faithfully, Brockmere, Wray Park Road, Reigate. CLIVE SANSOM.