Madam, - The World Cup has demonstated clearly that, with very few exceptions, the tunes of most countries' national anthems are utterly dreary and mind-numbingly tedious. Many of them are so impossible to sing that the players merely stand, with arm across the chest, looking bored out of their wits.
Some of the European anthems are memorable, but the only one of any musical merit is that of Germany. No wonder, since its tune was composed by Haydn. - Yours etc,
DAVID SOWBY, Knocksinna Crescent, Dublin 18.