111 Gründe, klassische Musik zu lieben

Classical Music: It’s the shivering with Schubert, the smiling during the string quartet, the breathlessness at the fugue theme, the goosebumps at the Countess's pardon. We understand much more about classical music than we think – after all, we are constantly surrounded by it. One doesn’t even have to go to a symphony concert. Just in advertising, elevators, and cinemas, one cannot escape it. But when does classical music manage to transcend mere entertainment and background noise? How does the violinist make us feel as if we are experiencing an entire novel in a solo sonata? Between madrigal and new music, between Gregorian chant and progressive rock, there is a realm where Jens Berger shows readers sights and insider tips, the typical, the unusual, and what seems to be secondary. He provides 111 reasons why a life without classical music is conceivable but pointless. The topic of classical music: isn’t it this stiff, elitist niche that keeps getting smaller? It’s what old people listen to for relaxation. Far from it. There has never been as much – and as exciting – classical music as there is today. The audience is even getting younger! How could it be otherwise? There are still huge, untapped treasures of sheet music in the archives and always new ideas and ways to revive old masters. Suddenly, they speak to us on equal terms and as contemporaries, sharing things that resonate deeply within us. With this book, Jens Berger addresses everyone who loves classical music and those who do not yet. From the perspective of listeners and musicians, as well as from nearly all areas surrounding classical music, he presents 111 reasons for a love letter to misunderstood composer geniuses, icy concert halls, diligent archive mice, and unbridled stage animals. Some reasons: Because tenors are from another world. Because you simply have to have a heart for violists. Because 1930 was such a great year. Because no superhero exists without Richard Strauss.