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Yes, the cover of June's Gramophone was stunning, but as far as knowledge of music education is concerned I'm afraid that the composers still remain very much in their ivory towers.

I enjoyed David Gutman's article about Sergey Prokofiev's Sixth Symphony ("The Triumph and the Tragedy", June, page 52).

I bought the NetrebkolVillazón Bohème having read John Steane's enthusiastic review (June, page 103), and I agree that it is a marvellous performance - that was, until

Dr Carter's intimation that aspiring to "high end" audio, or indeed cars, seems to be a slightly "passé" exercise (Letters, July). I do own a "high end" hi-fl. And no, I'm not in the hedge fund bracket. I'm a staff nurse in a hospital. I acquired my system by working extra shifts and buying...