Sir, - With reference to Martin Adams's review of Madrigal '75/ Orchestra of St Cecilia's performance of Bach Cantatas (March 10th), I am in wholehearted agreement with Mr Adams. We should have used viola da gambas and recorders in Cantata 106, Gottes Zeit.
In extenuation, Mr Adams acknowledges that economics are an issue. I would go further and state that economics are the issue. In order to perform the second work in the programme, the Mass in A BWV 234, we had to use two transverse flutes, violins and viola. The cast of four or five extra players was simply beyond our resources.
Incidentally, I do not know any gamba or recorder players, of the requisite standard, who would be prepared to play in a professional orchestra without payment, to say nothing of having to pay far the privilege! If Mr Adams wishes to pass on to me the names of these players, I would welcome such information.
Only far the devotion of the members of the Chamber Choir Madrigal 75 - who on two weekends travelled from Cork to Dublin and stayed overnight at their own expense - together with the help of a number of individuals, there would have been no Bach Cantata series this year. I pay public tribute to Madrigal 75 far its commitment and to those music lovers for their enlightened patronage.
The Orchestra of St Cecilia does not receive a penny from the Arts Council. Our request far funding in 1996 was turned dawn, and I did not get the impression that things would be any better in 1997. Perhaps the question to be asked is: why does the Arts Council not support the performance of Bach cantatas? The music is incomparable and, in the words of Stravinsky, "should be the centre of our repertoire". - Yours etc
Manager,
Orchestra of St Cecilia,
Shelbourne Road,
Dublin 4.