Listen to world’s classical music

Re “Accompanying history,� Opinion, Oct. 28

Alex Ross leaves out a considerable amount of significant classical composition produced in countries outside Europe and the United States. Japan, where the horror of modern warfare was certainly a factor, had Toru Takemitsu, among many others. Most of Central and South America had their nationalist and post-impressionist lions, some of whose work is just now receiving decent exposure. The search for new sounds, harmonies and contrapuntal combinations, along with an authentic voice for one’s life and cultural experience, is the ever-changing constant that speaks through all composers’ voices worldwide. And the vast majority of people still love their triads and their folk-originated songs, albeit amplified and distorted.

It is political history and commerce that accompanies music, and unfortunately sometimes interrupts the artistic work of all humanity. But the surmounting of these barriers can sometimes bring the most monumental accomplishments.

Dan Weinstein

Chatsworth