To the editor:


Richard Taruskin sees the Boston Symphony's decision to not 
perform the "Klinghoffer" choruses as admirable "self-control."
By doing so, however, the orchestra decreases the total number of responses to
Sept. 11 that are available to those who would listen.
Self-censorship is a force that decreases art's diversity
and homogenizes art's response to life's difficulties.


Self-control is needed, but it is the self-control of the audience,
not the artist. If one thinks that one would be offended by
attending "Klinghoffer," the option is simply to not attend
the symphony that night.


JEFFREY SHALLIT

Tucson, Ariz.