My daughter, a jazz singer, has music in her soul. I, on the other hand, love to sing and and listen to oldies and acapella but do not "get it" like she does. I have a hard time appreciating the different nuances and instruments although I did take piano lessons for many years. I purchased it on her recommendation. I loved learning how the brain relates to music and also how we are all so different. All of the case histories were fascinating.
These are short and easily readable case histories on neurological and physical problems and differences relating to musical abilities in a great many patients treated by Dr. Sacks and others over several centuries. This book is a comprehensive treatment and summary of all sources the author could find plus his own observations and those of many of the world's past and current experts and researchers on humans and their connection to music and rhythm. Of special interest to me were discussions about a great many of the world's great composers and musicians with unique abilities or problems caused by injuries, genetic abnormalities, disease, lightning strike, et cetera. Some professional popular and classical percussionists can't carry a tune at all. some performers learn to play their instruments despite losing a finger or hand. Some string players manage to play to the end of a piece despite a string breaking in mid performance. Beethoven composed even in deafness. Torquay sees colors when he hears music. Dr. Sacks writes with a huge vocabulary and plenty of medical terms, but his accounts are all fascinating even for those with no medical or minimal musical knowledge!Read full review
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The book is a fun read, and full of scientific facts. Interesting for the music lover, student or neuroscientist. Beautifully written by the genius Oliver Sacks.
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Amazing insight into music’s effect on the brain. This author was an amazing man. Great loss to the world.
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Great book for anybody who likes Music and Neurology.
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no writing but multiple dogeared corners on pages.
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Oliver Sacks is an amazing person and his writing is just as interesting. Good reading! This book has some observations that you may find educational, entertaining or interesting but you'll probably keep reading.
A very nice read!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Fascinating, Dr. Sacks writes about complex neurological matters with such excitement and simplicity it is an easy an wonderfully informative book. The way our brains react, and observe music is incredible. I highly recommend this book.
Great book! Read excerpts from it in a magazine. Very interesting actual accounts of unusual cases of people with musical "anomalies", if you will. Rivetting!
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