Letter: Britten's music will stand the test of time

Sir: Unlike Malcolm Williamson, I don't feel able to establish how future generations will receive Benjamin Britten's music. I nevertheless wish to point out that the tendency at present seems to contradict his rather assertive forecast.

Music lovers from many countries come to the UK to see Britten operas. It is also a fact that these operas are being increasingly presented abroad (not only in Europe but also in the Americas) with great success. I presume that the opinion of foreigners is of absolutely no importance to Williamson and the Aldeburgh town council, but it is a good indicator of the way in which a composer has succeeded in appealing to human beings, beyond the boundaries of the prejudices which the Master of the Queen's Music seems so eager to exploit.

AGUSTIN BLANCO BAZAN

London NW8