SCREEN SOUNDS

Mark Swed’s feature “The Marriage of Classical Music and the Movies” (July 27) should have been titled “The Mirage of Classical Music and the Movies” since, historically, the majority of film scorers more often than not have pilfered, debauched and watered down distinguished compositions by celebrated composers.

PHILLIP LAMBRO

Los Angeles

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Swed performed a real public service, but his observations would not be complete without mention of two of the most ubiquitous pieces of music to grace the screen: Pachelbel’s Canon and Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana.”

LANORE PEARLMAN

Claremont

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Orchestral scores for many of this summer’s films are still not available in record stores. However, one can buy film soundtracks loaded with songs not in the movie and soundtracks for films not yet released. It seems Hollywood still has a way to go before appreciating the film score and its fans.

CURT GEBHARD

Redondo Beach

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Music is much closer to our human essence than is usually supposed. Like speech, it is characteristic of humanity, even at its most primitive level. It’s no wonder that its power, when blended with the visual, is so primal.

MICHAEL LEVINE

Beverly Hills