I READ with interest Iain AD Mann's letter (April 24) concerning the popularity of Ralph Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending and the fact that it was once again voted as the most popular piece on Classic FM Radio.
Like him I have Classic FM on my radio most mornings and had decided that the Lark Ascending was a favourite of the presenters as it lasts 15 minutes and thus gives them a welcome comfort break.
Ron Lavalette,
69 Whitlees Court, Ardrossan.
I THOROUGHLY agree with Iain AD Mann's letter re simplistic renditions of The Lark Ascending. When it became inevitable it would, once again, be the winner, I switched off, so as not to hear this once more. Thoughts in my head were a .22 rifle would be the answer. I must admit that various friends enjoy this, though why I don't know.
It would be fitting if, next year, on the anniversary of Beethoven's 250th birthday, some listeners would vote for him and get the top spot.
Mrs Constance Buchanan,
100 Auchmannoch Avenue,
Ralston, Paisley.
BEING unfamiliar with The Lark Ascending as raised by Iain AD Mann, I duly phoned a friend who has access to that authority on music, Alexa. No response was the disappointing reply. After sourcing our Kindle I listened to the piece being played on violin with piano backing.
Whilst the sensitively expressed cadences did conjure the soaring of the lark, the piece seemed to drift into a monotonous continuity, resemblant of call centre interlude music. Perhaps that is where the popularity poll aspect arises – instant recognition of a familiar background rendition.
Allan C Steele,
22 Forres Avenue, Giffnock.
I WAS intrigued enough by Iain A D Mann's letter to search for it and have a wee listen. I found it on YouTube and after giving it considerable time to rise to some sort of gusto I found myself face down and comatose on my keypad. Interestingly enough YouTube offered on the same search Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven. They both give the impression of a rising to higher levels. In the lark's case it never appeared to find its feathered friends' exaltation; however Led Zep did reach their destination and a musical celebration was its finale/
George Dale,
21 Oakwood Drive, Beith.
Hail, Cesar
CONGRATULATIONS to The Herald team for putting together such an outstanding tribute to Billy McNeill ("Hail, Caesar... legend, leader and Lisbon Lion", The Herald, April 24, and eight-page tribute, Herald Sport). Also well done to Steven Camley for yet again hitting the spot in his tribute to the great man.
Everything good about Billy has been already been said. He truly was an outstanding individual as well as being a top player and manager.
Gordon Evans,
5 York Drive, Burnside, Rutherglen, Glasgow.
She must stay
THE news that ships are now to be "gender neutral" ("Maritime museum to stop calling boats ‘she’ after vandals target signs", The Herald, April 24) due to a vandal destroying a very expensive sign in the Maritime Museum beggars belief. I suggest that the authorities should think again and not be seduced by alleged changes in society.
Ships have been given a feminine gender for centuries. I have long held the belief that it is due to the fact that they are often very beautiful and difficult to handle.
Robin Johnston,
3 Barcapel Avenue, Glasgow.
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