HOW TO HEAR CLASSICAL MUSIC by Davinia Caddy

Adorable, divine, life enhancing, moving and timeless - classical music - hmm hmm. Love it. And here is a little book, beautifully designed and packaged that will expand your understanding and appreciation of classical music, whether you are a newbie to it, or a dedicated devotee. 

The author is an academic, and sometimes it gets a little pointy-headed, but generally what she has to say is very accessible and easily understood. She begins by asking if classical music is elitist, just for show, beyond the understanding and appreciation of people. Is sitting in an auditorium with hundreds of others in complete silence the best way to enjoy, appreciate classical music. You don't necessarily have to understand what you are hearing, you just have to be moved by it. She looks at different ways music is performed and staged, takes on the phenomenon of the 1980s music train Hooked on Classics, how the music of a classical concert is chosen to give a complete listening experience to the audience, the hideousness of elevator music and some perfect alternatives, the magic of opera, how technology can be harnessed to dazzle people with what classical music can do. 

So much in this little book to savour, enjoy and to get you thinking as well as hearing.