I Want My MP3! How to Download, Rip, and Play Digital Music (with Cdrom) Book

"We expect a fine composition brilliantly performed, but how often do we think that it should also be brilliantly heard?"

Music is notoriously difficult to write about and classical music particularly is notoriously difficult to listen to. Aaron Copland, an important composer and conductor of the 20th century himself, makes you disagree with both.



This is the perfect book for people who want to enhance their own listening experience and broaden their understanding of what it really means to listen to music. This is written for laypeople with a curiosity for classical music, making this easily accessible and enlightening.

"Listening to music is a skill that is acquired through experience and learning. Knowledge enhances enjoyment."

Copland begins by explaining the importance of the listener and also notes how we need to give ourselves more credit – people without musical education tend to say that they can't form an opinion about a musical piece, yet we don't think that way in other fields where we might not have an extensive expertise (think reading books or watching films for example).

He then covers everything from the creative process of making music, musical structure, harmonies, rhythm, texture and forms before addressing more contemporary music alongside film scores and operas, too. I'm personally not new to the subject, but still enjoyed his way of explaining things and the way he illustrated seemingly difficult matters of subject.

I know people who feel alienated by classical music and just don't get it. This book perfectly proves that's it's about the commitment and interest one shows – through intentional, repeated listening new structures will be unveiled to the listener.