It Does Not Compute

The claims of Yaakov Kirschen that a computer device can create the unwritten Bach are absurd (“Like Bach or Beatles, It Writes the Songs: ‘Jiffy Box’ Creates Music in Styles of Famous Composers,” Sept. 1). It is axiomatic that a computer device has no gift for musical composition except as provided by its inventor. If there is to be Bach out, there must be Bach in.

If Kirschen really believes that he can compose another Goldberg Variations, then he doesn’t understand the problem, or he suffers delusions. More likely, however, this is just another case of marketing hype far, far outstripping reality.

ROGER DU PLESSIS

Irvine