Musicking: The Meanings of Performing and Listening (Music / Culture)

The book I have been longing to read for at least 20 years. Anyone prepared to examine their relationship with (classical) music and thr social structures surrounding it will be challenged and perhaps delighted by the insights of the author. European readers, especially those influenced by the Early Music movement, may find some remarks limited by their origin in the author's specific context. No matter: read it anyway!

This was required reading for a required class. The sooner I finish the book, the better. In elevating the contemporary music genre, he denigrates the western music genre. There is a way to respect both, and he greatly misses the mark. I don’t know what I will be doing with the book after I am done. I don’t want to plague others of wasting their time and donate it to a library.

A very insightful book, reinforcing my view that the classical music tradition in which I was raised does not touch for me the true meaning and power of music that I've found as a street performer using my electric violin to interpret American roots music.

Christopher Small explores the significance of making music (musicking) in how it forms individuals, relationships, and culture. Well-versed in the tradition of Western Art Music, yet also touches on popular music and the music of other cultures to extend and explain his insights.

Fantastic, well reasoned, insightful, very pleased!

I should like this book. Am yet to read more and put it to more use.

absolutely compelling interpretation of the components of performancei speak of this book regularly to friends in the music and performing worlds and recommend it without reservation

Wonderfully written, this text should be considered standard reading for any undergraduate or graduate music program. It may provide readers with a deeper appreciation for what musicians actually contribute to society and mankind in general.

excellent

Haven't read it yet but it looks interesting!

This book applies the perspective of ethnomusicology which usually explores music in other cultures and societies but here applies it to the often taken-for-granted social interaction in classical concerts and also the settings of concert halls themselves. He is always compares this with music-making and music listening in other parts of the world. Playing music from written scores he also sees as distinctive of our Western art music and definitely not how it is done elsewhere in the world and over most of human history. Thus, in his interesting description and exploration, he leads us to question our taken-for-granted assumptions about "musicking" or what we might call "doing music".

Not just music - this book covers everything related to making, listenting to and partaking of, music. Very thought provoking and written in an easy style with lots of humour.

Excellent book. Prompt delivery.