Listen by Michel Faber: On Music, Sound and Us

Canongate Books. Hardcover. NEW. In his book Listen: On Music, Sound and Us, Michel Faber explores two big questions: how we listen to music and why we listen to music. He considers a wide range of factors, including biology, age, illness, the notion of "cool," commerce, and the dichotomy between "good" and "bad" taste. He also interviews musicians to get their insights. Faber argues that music is not just something we listen to; it is something we do. When we listen to music, we are actively engaged in a process of interpretation and creation. We bring our own experiences and associations to the music, and we create our own unique listening experience. Faber also argues that music is essential to our humanity. It helps us to connect with ourselves and with others. It can help us to express our emotions, to process our experiences, and to find meaning in life. Key Points Music is not just something we listen to; it is something we do. When we listen to music, we are actively engaged in a process of interpretation and creation. We bring our own experiences and associations to the music, and we create our own unique listening experience. Music is essential to our humanity. It helps us to connect with ourselves and with others. It can help us to express our emotions, to process our experiences, and to find meaning in life. Conclusion Listen is a thought-provoking and engaging book that will change the way you think about music. Faber's insights are both profound and illuminating. He shows us that music is more than just a form of entertainment; it is an essential part of our lives. Personal Opinion I found Listen to be a fascinating and insightful book. Faber's writing is clear and engaging, and he does a great job of explaining complex ideas in a way that is easy to understand. I particularly enjoyed his insights into the relationship between music and the human brain. I would highly recommend Listen to anyone who is interested in music, psychology, or the human experience. It is a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.