First published 1960
Jacques Barzun assembles voices from across centuries to explore music's place in human experience. The collection opens with criticism from literary giants like Chesterton, De Quincey, and Martin Luther, each offering distinct perspectives on music's power and meaning. Personal letters from Goethe reveal the great writer's musical sensibilities, while correspondence from Mozart and Schumann provides intimate glimpses into the creative minds of master composers. Barzun includes formal eulogies that honor the legacies of Palestrina and Beethoven, celebrating their contributions to musical art. The anthology moves between analytical criticism and personal reflection, showing how music has inspired writers, philosophers, and musicians themselves. Through these varied selections, Barzun demonstrates that musical appreciation transcends professional boundaries. The book offers readers direct access to how great minds have understood and articulated music's significance, creating a conversation across time between creators and observers of musical art.
Genres: biography, 20th-century, criticism, art-history, classical-music, academic
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: anthology, personal-reflection
Period: 19th-century, 20th-century
Paperback · Penguin Books