Sir, I have been working in Russia this week and so am sorry to be rather late in responding to the criticism by A.S.H. Smyth (Weekend, October 20) of the concert by the Oxford Philomusica at Cadogan Hall, London. I must first preface this by saying that I have never before felt compelled to write to the editor in my 47 years in the music profession.

I think I know a good concert when I hear one.

Mr Smyth (who I picture from his writing as a spotty-faced, head-banging, adolescent) expects the music of Beethoven to be 'macho', 'brutal', and 'Clockwork Orange'. He expects 'grinding strings' and wants the brass (three horns and two trumpets!) to play to the point of splitting the notes. He would prefer to 'skip the slow movements'.

He is interested in 'cojones' (Spanish for testicles, I believe). Looking for this in a programme consisting of the First Piano Concerto and the Third Symphony, no wonder he was disappointed! I can think of few who would expect the charming, witty and aristocratic First Piano Concerto have the above-mentioned characteristics. Perhaps someone who is an ear-splitting hi-fi freak or is looking for music to do self-harm to.

The Eroica Symphony was played with the broadness, grandeur and humanity the masterpiece deserves and was well received by an audience of over 500 in a venue that holds 800 (I wouldn't have said 'under attended' as Mr Smyth wrongly asserts). I have been involved in numerous performances and recordings of this great work from Josef Krips through Leopold Stokowski to Simon Rattle and didn't feel that the Oxford Phil was less than on a par with 'the big boys of the nation's capital'.

Indeed the level of real commitment in the orchestra is perhaps higher than some of the more jaded London bands.

Thomas Martin, Former co-principal double bass: Buffalo Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic. Former principal double bass: Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal, English Chamber Orchestra, Academy of St Martin in the Fields, London Symphony Orchestra. Senior Professor: Guildhall School of Music, London. Principal double bass: Oxford Philomusica, Banbury