Scan barcode
A review by mike__m
Why You Love Music: From Mozart to Metallica--The Emotional Power of Beautiful Sounds by John Powell
3.0
Powell's book fulfills its intended purpose as a light and popular exploration of the psychological and sociological aspects of music. Personally, and unlike many readers here, I found the second half, where Powell discusses the intersection of physiology and musicology, to be the most interesting. I'm neither a musician nor a musicologist, so his explanation of Just and Equal Temperament was the first time the topic made sense to me. Also very satisfying was his plain and accessible assertion of why Serialism sucks, and his near-suggestion that movie music and minimalism saved classical music from the horrors of the Second Viennese School: now, considering my listening history, I can see why Koyaanisqatsi and The Draughtsman's Contract are such memorable movies for me. In the same chapter, he recounts his discovery of the music George Lloyd -- a nice touch, for an out-of-fashion composer who deserves more rediscovery.
As for the humor: I like it; I seem to share with the author a fundamentally humorous view of the world. He's at his best when the humor is integral to his discussion (for example, comparing his efforts at composing a tune according to the "rules" to a "hymn for the patron saint of porridge manufacturers"); the jokes only seem to overreach when they appear as zingers tacked on at the end of some sections.
In all, although I still don't understand why Baskery, Babymetal and Buxtehude can coexist in one playlist, I recommended this book for non-experts who've already given some thought to why they love music.
As for the humor: I like it; I seem to share with the author a fundamentally humorous view of the world. He's at his best when the humor is integral to his discussion (for example, comparing his efforts at composing a tune according to the "rules" to a "hymn for the patron saint of porridge manufacturers"); the jokes only seem to overreach when they appear as zingers tacked on at the end of some sections.
In all, although I still don't understand why Baskery, Babymetal and Buxtehude can coexist in one playlist, I recommended this book for non-experts who've already given some thought to why they love music.