Everything is Connected: The Power of Music

Format:	Hardback 224 pages

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Synopsis

Daniel Barenboim's new book vividly describes his lifelong pursuit of knowledge and understanding, not only of music and of life, but of one through the other. As he himself says in the introduction, "This is not a book for musicians, nor is it one for non-musicians, but rather for the curious mind that wishes to discover the parallels between music and life and the wisdom that becomes audible to the thinking ear." Indeed, the topics covered in the book range from the problems of timing - whether in a piece of music or a political process - to the philosophy of Spinoza and its relevance to musical interpretation. The main theme of the book is the impossibility of separating music from other realms of intellectual pursuit. Barenboim advocates the integration of music and musical thought into our everyday lives. He does not hesitate to raise difficult and uncomfortable questions, such as whether to perform Wagner in Israel. His unconventional and often controversial views of conflict in the Middle East are illustrated by an essay about the destinies of two Palestinians - one from the occupied territories and one from Israel. One of Barenboim's most celebrated and ground-breaking projects is an eloquent testimony to the power music holds over our lives: the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra. He explains how an understanding of music among the young Israelis, Palestinians and Arabs of other countries in the orchestra can contribute to the comprehension of their dependence on one another and, ultimately, to a better human understanding. As he says, "The power of music lies in is its ability to speak to all aspects of the human being-the animal, the emotional, the intellectual, and the spiritual. Music teaches us, in short, that everything is connected."

Book details

Published
14/08/2008

Publisher
Weidenfeld & Nicolson

ISBN
9780297855446

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"in this cogent and provocative book, Barenboim shows us that he's a subtle writer too" -- Richard Morrison THE TIMES "No musician alive speaks with such authority on the major issues of our times" -- Norman Lebrecht EVENING STANDARD 'By far the most interesting sections deal with the remarkable West-Eastern Divan Orchestra...These sections, with their joys, conflicts and triumphs crackle with energy.' METRO 'Barenboim's challenging book does not simply tell the inspiring story of the orchestra. It is also a profound analysis of music.' -- Peter Lewis DAILY MAIL "Barenboim insists, brilliantly, on the power of music. what he does best is convince you that music might just bear the burden well" -- Michael Pye THE SCOTSMAN "we have a rare opportunity to hear how a master musician thinks" -- Susan Tomes THE GUARDIAN "few writers have summed up as concisely or intelligently the fundamentals of classical music" -- Andrew Clark FINANCIAL TIMES "In Everything is Connected, Barenboim has shaped his musical and political dreams into a personal manifesto" -- Ed Smith SUNDAY TELEGRAPH "It establishes him, once again, as the most pure-hearted and, therefore, anguished advocate of the ultimates and lasting importance of art" -- Bryan Appleyard SUNDAY TIMES "He expresses himself simply without being simplistic, and the purposefully slow rhythmns of his prose almost command the reader to stop, think and, ultimately, listen" THE ECONOMIST "In powerfully direct prose, he explains why. music is not beyond questions of politics, culture and society but operates at their hearts" -- Guy Dammann DAILY TELEGRAPH "a highly worthwhile book. Barenboim's writing is lucid and clear" -- Owen Hatherly NEW STATESMAN "a coherent and detailed thesis" -- Conor Farrington TLS "I read this book straight through. and I know I will read it again and again." -- Robert Giddings TRIBUNE