Inaccuracies damage

reputations
It was nice that you did an article on Bach’s “St. John Passion” and the panel discussion concerning it [ODE, June 29]. It would have been even nicer if the article had been accurate. The names listed below the photo in no way matched individuals pictured.
More importantly, Johann Sebastian Bach’s “St. John Passion” is certainly not a “song.” It is a major choral work, comprised of some 40 arias, recitatives and chorales. The work is approximately two hours in length, and features vocal soloists, chorus and orchestra. It is arguably one of the greatest choral masterpieces ever written.
You do your readers a disservice by such inaccurate reporting. There are many people from all over the world here for the Bach Festival. Those who read this article will certainly carry away a negative impression of your paper. Unfortunately, they may also assume that your article reflects the level of knowledge in Eugene as well.

Ellwood Cushman

University grad, 1970