To the editor:

Thank you for printing Milton Rudi’s June 7 letter about the pathetic music played in retail establishments today and how it is affecting our current culture.

Interestingly, the day after you published, an enlightened video entitled “The Truth Why Modern Music is Awful” began to circulate on the internet.

It convincingly argues that the evolution from beautiful, soulful, meaningful lyrics and melodies to cold, repetitive, unimaginative, contemporary pop is by design, not chance.

It describes in detail the thinking and manipulative production techniques by today’s music labels that are designed to sell and not to inspire.

If anyone’s interested, check it out here or just search YouTube for “Why Modern Music is Awful.”

I grew up in a home that was nourished with uplifting classical and inspirational music.

I will forever thank my parents for instilling in me an appreciation for excellent music, showing me its power to lift spirits and enhance quality of life.

Music as an art form is dying because the goal of extracting the maximum amount of profit from a minimum of effort sacrifices all the creativity and originality we once enjoyed.

Not all retailers have become unwitting partners in this sad phenomenon.

Some, like Hobby Lobby, still play soothing, uplifting background music, and I really appreciate that.

If this doesn’t make any difference to you, consider what the wise Chinese philosopher Confucius said back in the fifth century B.C.:

“If one should desire to know whether a kingdom is well governed, if its morals are good or bad, the quality of its music will furnish the answer.”

Still so true today.

Jan Burmeister
Sunset Hills