More on Madonna

Madonna and your readers may be interested to know that Alma Mahler, the femme fatale mentioned in reference to Oskar Kokoschka, was a composer.

One of her husbands, Gustav Mahler, requested before their marriage that Alma stop her own work as a composer. Many years later, Gustav dedicated his Eighth Symphony to her and filled her bedroom bursting with roses to repair his guilt.

Alma Mahler is historically remembered in relation to the men she loved, and this is an interesting contrast to Madonna, who is primarily a self-made woman. Perhaps this is what makes some readers so fearful.

Though I think Madonna’s details need some “politically correct” honing, she is a powerful new breed of woman outspoken about important domestic issues including gay equality and AIDS.

KIM ABELES

Los Angeles