Alan Titley and heard melodies

Sir, – Alan Titley's article, "Cad a d'imigh orthu?" (May 2nd) was a tour-de-force scholarly and humorous reflection on what actually happened to the real women and men featured in Irish traditional songs.

His subtitle and conclusion “Is maith ciúnas na n-amhrán nach gcloistear” has its origin in Keats – “heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard are sweeter”.

One cannot help but wonder how many people hear Mr Titley’s own sweet, allusive melodies. – Yours, etc,

DENIS COTTER

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Virginia,

US.