My friend and fellow poet Jim Keller (not this, much better known, Jim Keller) introduced me to this beautiful talk by Benjamin Zander—just one of many amazing presentations and programs on Ted, a site devoted to “ideas worth spreading.” Zander’s ideas concern classical music, but much of what he says—especially his insight into the connection between the structures of music and the emotional lives of listeners—is applicable to the practice of poetry as well. Unless, of course, you’re one of those poets who’s talking just to hear your head rattle.
Joseph Hutchison, Colorado Poet Laureate 2014-2019, has published 20 collections of poems and edited or co-edited three poetry anthologies. He currently directs two master’s-level programs for University College at the University of Denver: Professional Creative Writing and Arts & Culture Management. Joe lives with his wife, Melody Madonna, in the mountains southwest of Denver, Colorado, the city where he was born. 
Love Ted Talks! Thanks for posting this one 🙂
Years ago,reading Thomas Mann's Doctor Faustus, I caught a glimpse of the possibility of understanding classical music in Leverkuhn's discussions of the sonata form but alas it came to nothing. I did see though that what he had to say about music had a lot to do with writing and Zander's demonstration and comments reminded me of the connection. His closing anecdote was a heart tugger