Classical Music: Expect the Unexpected

The world-famous classical conductor Kent Nagano argues that classical music is too crucial to humanity's survival to be allowed to silently disappear from our everyday reality. He narrates his first childhood encounters with music's power to overcome social and ethnic boundaries, celebrates an art form that has always taken part in debates about human values and societal developments, and contends that it is too vital to our existence to be allowed to vanish.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 248 pages
\n Publication date: 25 February 2019
\n Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press
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The relevance of classical music in today's world is a topic of much debate. While some argue that it is a genre reserved for the social elite, others believe that it has the power to transcend boundaries and reach all people. In his book, "Classical Music: Expect the Unexpected," renowned classical conductor Kent Nagano shares his personal journey with the masterpieces and great composers of classical music, his work with major orchestras around the world, and his unwavering commitment to bringing his music to everybody.

Nagano begins his story by recounting his early childhood encounters with music's ability to overcome social and ethnic boundaries. He celebrates classical music as an art form that has always been at the forefront of debates about human values and societal developments. However, he argues that classical music's relevance is declining in today's disrupted times, not only from a cultural perspective but also from an inspirational, witty, emotional, and community-building standpoint.

Nagano contends that classical music is too crucial to humanity's survival to be allowed to silently disappear from our everyday reality. He explores the existential crisis facing classical music and offers solutions to help it thrive in the modern world. He advocates for greater accessibility to classical music through education, collaborations with other art forms, and innovative programming.

Throughout his autobiography, Nagano makes a compelling plea for classical music that is as exhilarating as it is thought-provoking. He shares personal anecdotes and insights into the lives of the composers he has worked with, providing a deeper understanding of their music and its impact on society. "Classical Music: Expect the Unexpected" is a must-read for anyone who loves classical music, as well as for those who are curious about its relevance in today's world.

\n Weight: 496g\n
Dimension: 229 x 165 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780773556348\n \n