Sound Mind: How I Fell in Love with Classical Music (and Decided to Rewrite its Entire History)

In his book "A Sound Mind," music critic and writer Paul Morley argues that classical music is the most rebellious genre of all, rejecting the idea that it is old, establishment, or a drag. Instead, he reveals it to be the most exciting and varied in music, with a rich and often deviant past and a promising future. Morley's passion for classical music is infectious and his orchestral narrative showcases its transformative and resilient power.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 624 pages
Publication date: 14 October 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Paul Morley, a music critic and writer, delves into the captivating world of classical music in his book "A Sound Mind." In this exhilarating and thought-provoking narrative, Morley establishes classical music as the most rebellious genre of all, challenging prevailing notions and revealing its extraordinary depth and diversity.

Morley's journey into classical music began as an emerging music journalist in the 1970s, when he wrote for publications like "NME." However, he soon grew tired of the conventional and nostalgic sounds of modern pop music and sought something fresh, rare, and wondrous. It was during this quest that he stumbled upon the world of classical music, which captivated him with its soaring polemics, grumpy reflections on modern rock, and passionate love notes.

"A Sound Mind" rejects the notion that classical music is an establishment, old-fashioned, or a drag. Instead, it presents classical music as a vibrant and exciting genre that is constantly evolving and pushing boundaries. Morley weaves together a multi-layered memoir of his shifting musical tastes, interspersed with a compelling history of classical music that unveils its rich and often deviant past.

Through an orchestral narrative that spans centuries, from Bach to Shostakovich, Brahms to Birtwistle, Mozart to Cage, Morley explores the transformative and resilient power of classical music. He traces its evolution from eighteenth-century salons to the modern age of Spotify, highlighting its ability to adapt and resonate with different audiences and cultures.

Morley's passion for centuries of music, both celebrated and obscure, is infectious. His writing is filled with enthusiasm and reverence, as he delves into the intricacies of composition, performance, and the cultural significance of classical music. He encourages readers to embrace the genre and discover its hidden treasures, urging them to appreciate the depth and complexity of this misunderstood and underrated art form.

Weight: 502g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781408868782