Praised in The Economist as "heartfelt and finely reasoned...wise, perceptive and inspiring," Who Needs Classical Music? offers a fresh and balanced defense of the value of classical music in contemporary culture. Challenging the many cultural critics who contend that the division between "high" and "low" art is an artificial one, that Beethoven's Ninth and "Blue Suede Shoes" are equally valuable, Julian Johnson counters that music is more than just "a matter of taste." Music can provideentertainment or simply serve as background noise. Classical music, he suggests, is shaped by its claim to function as art. It is distinguished by a self-conscious attention to its own materials and their formal patterning. Far from being irrelevant today, Johnson argues, classical music continues to offer rich and engaging insights into our experience of modern life. The paperback edition includes a new preface from the author, bringing his argument up to date. Who Needs Classical Music?will stimulate readers to reflect on their own investment (or lack of it) in music and art of all kinds.
Who Needs Classical Music?
and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle. Learn more
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Product Description
Review
"You will often cheer out loud! I did...more profound than can be communicated in a book review. I read this twice. Like all my favorite books, I will read it again and again. Nothing is more relevant to classical music devotees."--American Record Guide
"[A] heartfelt and finely reasoned appeal....wise, perceptive and inspiring book."--The Economist
"[A] soberly argued defense of classical tradition as uniquely valuable in its own right, and hence worth sustaining as a cultural option open to all. Who Needs Classical Music? is neither a last-ditch lament nor an aggressive counter-attack....Every page -at times, every sentence-is loaded with implications for further thought deserves the widest attention." --BBC online
"[A] sophisticated yet accessible defense of classical music's value."--Choice
About the Author
Julian Johnson is Professor of Music at Royal Holloway, University of London. He was awarded the Dent Medal of the Royal Musical Association for "outstanding contributions to musicology."
Inside This Book
(Learn More)
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Gives a greater understanding of the mess we are in no time is the #1 problem
On the good side NOT too heavy ,,just well researched A real "ear" opener without being rich to have a better understanding ,,,music is art ......I can believe now when I hear someone talk about the colors in music a my personal need for classical music (all types) as I am painting with my pastels.
When I paint outside, nature herself provide all. A cricket...a huge storm coming.
On the good side NOT too heavy ,,just well researched A real "ear" opener without being rich to have a better understanding ,,,music is art ......I can believe now when I hear someone talk about the colors in music a my personal need for classical music (all types) as I am painting with my pastels.
When I paint outside, nature herself provide all. A cricket...a huge storm coming.
By Henry Fogel
Format:Hardcover
Julian Johnson confronts the complex issue of the value to society of art music -- and the differences between art music and popular music. Although densely written (this is not a book for skimming, nor for light reading), I found the book compelling and cogently argued. Johnson tries to define the relationship between art music and our human qualities -- and argues convincingly that there are real differences between popular and serious culture, and that those differences should not be minimized in the name of political correctness. It is not easy to summarize the book, because of the complexity of its subject and the depth of his argument. But anyone with an interest in the place of classical music in our society today should read this.
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
Johnson embarks on what is actually a very challenging subject. This is a stimulating and a provoking text, in which a sensible and cohesive argument is set out (very occasional slightly silly parodies aside - i think the other reviewers may not understand the slight toungue-in-cheek nature of some of these). I would very definately reccomend this book for anyone interested in music, culture, art and people!
Want to see more reviews on this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 11 reviews
3.5 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Tragically, J.J. Might Be Hiding His Heart Behind His Head
Unfortunately, time does not permit me the luxury of the in-depth critique that this important and useful book does indeed deserve. Read more
Published on April 30 2002 by Dr. Howard Charles Yourow
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fresh insights here, a different perspective
This is a courageous book to write in the current anti-intellectual climate. Julian Johnson flies in the face of the prevailing winds, not just in popular culture, but in much... Read more
Published on April 24 2002 by John Grabowski
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
