SIR: Included in the many gems, both vocal and instrumental, of an outstanding New Year concert in the Albert Hall, Bolton, by "Opera 74" and Bolton Symphony Orchestra, was a charming composition by the Austrian composer, Fritz Kreisler.

The delightful 'Leibesfreud' was performed by five talented instrumentalists from the orchestra and, I seem to recall, it was played by the great violinist in the old Free Trade Hall, Manchester, before it was destroyed by enemy air attack on December 22 ,1940. On being interviewed before the concert, he claimed that he had practised so much as a boy that he didn't need to do so in later years. However, I've often thought he must have been speaking "tongue in cheek", as all other noted artists I have met over the years have freely confessed they had to continue to practise throughout their careers.

John Hanley, Kingwood

Avenue, Heaton, Bolton.

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