Delve into the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and music with Daniel J. Levitin's 'This Is Your Brain on Music.' The author, a neuroscientist and musician, unravels how our brains perceive, process, and are profoundly affected by music. From the emotional responses it elicits to the cognitive impact of rhythm and melody, Levitin offers a captivating exploration of music's role in human experience. With insights that challenge preconceived notions about music, this book will leave you pondering the power it holds over our minds and lives. Whether you're a casual listener or a seasoned musician, the revelations in this book will resonate with you long after the last note.
By Daniel J. Levitin
Published: 2007
"Music is the shorthand of emotion."
In this groundbreaking union of art and science, rocker-turned-neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin explores the connection between music—its performance, its composition, how we listen to it, why we enjoy it—and the human brain. Taking on prominent thinkers who argue that music is nothing more than an evolutionary accident, Levitin poses that music is fundamental to our species, perhaps even more so than language. Drawing on the latest research and on musical examples ranging from Mozart to Duke Ellington to Van Halen, he reveals: • How composers produce some of the most pleasurable effects of listening to music by exploiting the way our brains make sense of the world • Why we are so emotionally attached to the music we listened to as teenagers, whether it was Fleetwood Mac, U2, or Dr. Dre • That practice, rather than talent, is the driving force behind musical expertise • How those insidious little jingles (called earworms) get stuck in our head A Los Angeles Times Book Award finalist, This Is Your Brain on Music will attract readers of Oliver Sacks and David Byrne, as it is an unprecedented, eye-opening investigation into an obsession at the heart of human nature.
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“Music is the shorthand of emotion.”
This Is Your Brain on Music
By Daniel J. Levitin
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Daniel J. Levitin is an accomplished author and cognitive psychologist known for his interdisciplinary work at the intersection of music, neuroscience, and psychology. He is the author of several influential books, including "This Is Your Brain on Music," which explores how our brains process music, and "The Organization Book," which delves into the relationship between cognitive science and everyday life. Levitin's writing is characterized by its engaging prose, clear scientific explanations, and a unique ability to weave complex concepts into accessible narratives. His work has received critical acclaim for blending meticulous research with personal anecdotes, making profound insights into the human experience.
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