Nicholas Cook is a British musicologist and writer. His work delves into the ways we perceive and understand music, exploring the interplay between music theory, history, and practice. Cook's approach often uncovers surprising connections between seemingly disparate musical worlds, prompting readers to reconsider the very meaning of music. He skillfully makes complex musical ideas accessible and engaging for a broad audience.
Regarded as a monumental achievement in Western music, Beethoven's Ninth Symphony stands out as a powerful emblem of unity and affirmation. Despite its profound impact, it faced initial criticism for being cryptic and eccentric, stemming from the struggles of a deaf and aging composer. The symphony's journey from skepticism to acclaim highlights its significance and enduring legacy in the musical landscape.
What is music, and why do we enjoy it? Drawing on a number of accessible examples, Nicholas Cook prompts us to call on our own musical experiences in order to think more critically about the roles of performer and listener, about music as a commodity, and what it means to understand music and the values we ascribe to it. Illustrated.
Presenting an introduction to music, this book draws on many examples ranging from Beethoven to the Spice Girls to Chinese zither music. It also prompts us to call on our personal musical experiences in order to think critically about the roles of the performer and the listener, and about music as a commodity and an experience. schovat popis