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.
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