Books › What to Listen for in Music
What to Listen for in Music
320 pages
A warm, illuminating masterclass that transforms passive hearing into active, joyful listening.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like sitting in a sunlit studio with a brilliant, patient mentor who desperately wants you to hear the world the way he does. The pace is steady and deliberate, asking you to pause, reflect, and perhaps put on a record before turning the next page. Copland's prose is remarkably clear and conversational, stripping away the intimidating velvet ropes of classical music without ever dumbing down the art form. The mood is deeply intellectual yet warmly encouraging, creating an atmosphere of shared discovery. It is a deeply rewarding experience for anyone who has ever been moved by a symphony or a sonata and wants to understand the invisible architecture behind that emotional resonance, leaving the reader with a permanently enriched ear.
- Mood
- intellectual
- contemplative
- inspiring
- focused
- Tone
- authoritative
- encouraging
- earnest
- analytical
- passionate
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- active listening · the creative process · anatomy of art · emotional power of sound · demystifying genius
- The writing
- Clear, conversational, and precise, avoiding overly dense jargon while maintaining intellectual rigor.
- The arc
- Moves from a state of passive, perhaps intimidated hearing to a feeling of empowered, active, and joyful comprehension.
- Who it's for
- Curious music lovers and concert-goers who want to understand the mechanics behind the emotional impact of their favorite pieces.
About the book
In this fascinating analysis of how to listen to both contemporary and classical music analytically, eminent American composer Aaron Copland offers provocative suggestions that will bring readers a deeper appreciation of the most viscerally rewarding of all art forms.
Description from Open Library.
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