Chapter 27-31
Chapter 27

Kepler proved that harmonic intervals in music also relate to the harmonics of the planets. (171)

“Though the “music of the spheres” concept dates back to Pythagoras and probably before, Kepler created the formulas for his six laws of motion with scaes that symbolized the six known planets of his time. Basically, each planet creates vibrations-sound waves—caused by the path of its traveling through space (172).”

“…planetary motion, what has been called the “celestial chord.” His concept of the music of the spheres held that it was a continuous, ever changing song (172).”

Chapter 28

Obfuscation: To make so confused or opaque as to be difficult to perceive or understand
Abhorrence: Abhorrence

“What we have come to know as the real world is a narrow, shortsighted view not only in physical, scientific terms but also in human relations and in society as a whole (177).”

Chapter 29

String theory increases the usual 4 dimensions to 10 with 6 new dimensions ‘compacted.’ There is even the possibility to an 11 dimension (179). What do you think about this?

Is light a stream of particles or is it a wave (184)?

Chapter 30

This chapter discusses light and time. It’s beyond me, or I was too distracted while reading it. Perhaps you geniuses out there might want to sum it up in a few sentences.

Chapter 31

Acrimonious: Bitter and sharp in language or tone
Acausality: without the principle of or relationship between cause and effect
Moot: Of no practical importance; irrelevant

“Books on [music] are full of complicated mathematical formulae. But thought and ideas, not formulae, are the beginning of every [musical] theory.” Neils Bohr
- posted by Muse @ 12:22 PM 0 comments

 
Coming Soon...
I'm sorry to those who are awaiting the next chapters. I figured I would take breaks on the weekends, and I'm a bit distracted with upcoming work events among other things. Stay tuned.
- posted by Muse @ 3:53 PM 0 comments

 
Chapter 22-26
Chapter 22

“In string theory, the “violinists” might be performing in separate times and spaces, if not dimensions, and they might not be cognizant of one another, yet they all interace with one another (144).”

Listening: Orchestral Set No. 2 by Charles Ives

Chapter 23

Epitomized: sum up
Maelstrom: A violent or turbulent situation:
Maladroit: Marked by a lack of adroitness; inept.
Pithy: Precisely meaningful; forceful and brief
Pragmatism: A practical, matter-of-fact way of approaching or assessing situations or of solving problems

Watch: “The Elegant Universe: The Theory of Everything.” PBS

Chapter 24

Equanimity: The quality of being calm and even-tempered; composure.
Conundrum (fun word!): A paradoxical, insoluble, or difficult problem; a dilemma

Chapter 25

Salubrious: Conducive or favorable to health or well-being

Listening: Bach Mass in B Minor, D# Minor Fugue (WTC), Beethoven’s 3rd/ 9th Symphonies

Chapter 26

“According to superstring theory, the entire universe may be said to consist of waves or strings, and some claim that the universe is in the key of B-flat. The sound of music write large! (165)” Do you really think the universe is tuned in B-Flat? Seriously!
- posted by Muse @ 12:24 PM 0 comments

 
Chapters 16-21
Chapter 16

Esoteric: Intended for or understood by only a particular group
Tertiary: Third in place, order, degree, or rank
Germane: Being both pertinent and fitting
Averred: To affirm positively; declare
Axiomatic: Of, relating to, or resembling an axiom; self-evident
Ameliorate: To make or become better; improve
Incipient: Beginning to exist or appear
Ether: The regions of space beyond the earth's atmosphere; the heavens
Demur: To voice opposition

“But to tire in that [for human rights] would mean the ruin of society.” (109 Einstein) Do you agree or disagree, why?

“For [scientists], God is a being from whose care one hopes to benefit and whose punishment one fears; a sublimation feeling, tinged with awe, similar to that of a child for its father (Einstein 110).” What is your reaction to this statement?

Do you believe that “The value of man should be seen in what he gives and not what he is able to receive? (112)”

Regarding compensation for teachers, Einstein writes, “In a healthy society, every useful activity is compensated in a way to permit of a decent living (112).” Do you think teachers are paid what they are worth to society? Why/why not?

Einstein states, “The idea of achieving security through national armament is a disastrous illusion (116).” Do you agree or disagree with this statement and why?

Chapter 17

Echelons: A formation of troops in which each unit is positioned successively to the left or right of the rear unit to form an oblique or step like line
Mea culpa: An acknowledgment of a personal error or fault
Concomitance: Occurrence or existence together or in connection with one another

How do you think physics, music, and social change are interwoven? (121, 7)

Chapter 18

Altruism: Unselfish concern for the welfare of others; selflessness
Iconoclast: One who attacks and seeks to overthrow traditional or popular ideas or institutions
Axiom: A self-evident or universally recognized truth; a maxim

Chapter 19

“In the beginning was the word, and the word was music. With music came dreams. Soon the dreams became visions.” Anonymous

Chapter 20

Lexicon: A stock of terms used in a particular profession, subject, or style

Chapter 21

Vaudevillians: One, especially a performer, who works in vaudeville
Lurid: Causing shock or horror; gruesome

Why is String Theory called the “Theory of Everything?” p. 137

Do musical sounds in nature reveal a profound bond between all living things? (141)

Article of Interest: “Music of Nature and the Nature of Music” Science, Jan. 5, ‘01
- posted by Muse @ 10:53 AM 0 comments

 
Chapters 11-15
Chapter 11-15

Chapter 11

Bilious: Having a peevish disposition; ill-humored
Vociferously: marked by noisy and vehement outcry
Wunderkind: A child prodigy

“Beethoven was a great composer [because] he seems to be more human than most of us (62). [sic] He connects us to the deepest, most hidden corners of our fear, our anger, our hate, our guilt, our love, our gentility (62).” Which piece of Beethoven’s is your favorite, why?

What is your opinion on this statement: “Maestro [sic], all men are boys. [sic] How about women? [sic] “No, women grow up! (p. 70)”

Chapter 12

Laudably: Deserving commendation; praiseworthy
Peregrinations: travel (especially by foot)
Déclassé: Lacking high station or birth; of inferior social status.
Cognoscenti: a connoisseur
Omnipresent: Present everywhere simultaneously
Schism: A separation or division into factions
Impresario: One who sponsors or produces entertainment
Dichotomy: Division into two usually contradictory parts or opinions
Modicum: A small, moderate, or token amount

How do you think music is the universal language that “…transcends nation and regional vernaculars (71).”?
Chapter 13

Patently: In a patent manner; openly, plainly, or clearly
Circumspect: Heedful of circumstances and potential consequences; prudent
Fulsome: Offensively flattering or insincere
Misanthropic: Of, relating to, or characteristic of a misanthrope
Banal: not new or interesting
Obsequious: Full of or exhibiting servile compliance; fawning.
Venality: The condition of being susceptible to bribery or corruption
Calumnies: A false statement maliciously made to injure another's reputation
Vitriolic: Bitterly scathing; caustic
Epithets: An abusive or contemptuous word or phrase
Transcendent: Surpassing others; preeminent or supreme

“…I believe that Beethoven’s unrelenting views of virtue, of integrity, and of his own personal worth were driving forces that pervade much of his music (87).” What are the values you hold in your heart which pervade your life?

“My angel, my all, my very self,…can our love endure without sacrifices, without demanding everything from one another; can you alter the fact that you are not wholly mine, that I am not wholly yours? Love demands all….My heart overflows with a longing to tell you so many things-Oh- there are times when I find speech is quite inadequate-Be cheerful and forever my faithful, my only sweetheart, my all, as I am yours (88.)” Do you have any experiences you would be willing to share similar to Beethoven and his Love, how did you handle it? (Post anonymously if you wish.)

Have you ever found yourself often doing/expressing the opposite of how you truly feel to cover your emotions? Why? (89) (Post anonymously if you wish.)

Chapter 14

Prescient: perceiving the significance of events before they occur
Elucidate: To make clear or plain, especially by explanation; clarify
Oeuvre: A work of art

Chapters 13 and 14 delve further into Beethoven’s life and music. What especially in Chapter 14 ‘hits’ you the most emotionally; as a musician; as a human? (Post anonymously if you wish.)

Performing music either for yourself or others helps one to release pent-up emotions, de-stress, among other things. What does performing music (in any sense) do for you? (95)

Do you think you could be as honest and direct as Beethoven was (96, 100-1) in your music? In your life? Why is it so difficult?

Chapter 15

Bestrode: To sit or stand on with the legs astride; straddle
Diaphanous: Characterized by delicacy of form
Sophomoric: Exhibiting great immaturity and lack of judgment
Tableau: An interlude during a scene when all the performers on stage freeze in position and then resume action as before

How does Eger believe that Berlioz’s music is both the closing and opening of the Romantic/ Impressionistic era (respectively)?
- posted by Muse @ 12:23 PM 0 comments

 
Chapters 6-10
P 27-59

Chapter 6

Postulate: To make claim for; demand
Assuage: To pacify or calm
Itinerant: Traveling from place to place
Antenatally: Occurring before birth
Lascivious: Exciting sexual desires
Archetypal: a prototype

The Greeks believed in “music of the spheres” or circular movement of the stars as being sonic harmonies (28). Music was the union of word and sound into the expression of an idea. It was the 1st form of education because it introduced laws and tradition (29). Coincidence? Why/ Why Not?

Other cultures also believed music conveyed the rhythms of the universe (31). Do you think String Theory might be ‘on to something’ if so many cultures view music as being connected to everything?

Even during Biblical times music was utilized to help cure ailments. Today we have music therapy as a profession/ means to aide in healing. (33)

Chapter 7

Music is a means to bring us closer to God. This is demonstrated throughout many religions across the ages and the world. Why do you think this is so?

Chapter 8

Pundits: A Brahman scholar or learned man
Dissension: Difference of opinion
Milieu: An environment or a setting.
Gestalt: a configuration or pattern of elements so unified as a whole that it cannot be described merely as a sum of its parts
Antithesis: Direct contrast; opposition.
Dictum: An authoritative, often formal pronouncement
Eschews: To avoid; shun
Orgiastic: Arousing or causing unrestrained emotion
Aesthetes: One who cultivates an unusually high sensitivity to beauty, as in art or nature
Psycho-galvanic reflex: a momentary decrease in the apparent electrical resistance of the skin resulting from activity of the sweat glands in response to mental or emotional stimulation
Undulating: To cause to move in a smooth wavelike motion
Ephemeral: Lasting for a markedly brief time

Composers’ works and styles have the ability to reveal weaknesses, strengths, and inmost thoughts and feelings. Why type/style of music do you think expresses the compositions within your heart? (41)

Performers stress the importance of the communication of feelings and emotion. What is your favorite song? Why is the song especially endearing to you? (46)

“Trash music adds to the crippling of human beings…” (50). What is your reaction to Eger’s statement?

Chapter 9

Dissent: To differ in opinion or feeling
Contemptuous: Manifesting or feeling contempt; scornful

Do you compose music? Briefly describe how you go about writing your compositions (56).

Chapter 10

Terra incognita: A new or unexplored field of knowledge
Turgid: Excessively ornate or complex in style or language
Rapacious: Taking by force; plundering.
Lucre: Money or profits
Erudite: Characterized by erudition; learned
Dalliance: Frivolous spending of time; dawdling. 2.Playful flirtation.

To what dream is Eger referring on p. 59?
- posted by Muse @ 10:01 AM 0 comments

 
Day 1
Thus far I have only read five chapters, but I recognize already that this book is going to be fabulous. Please purchase it at your local bookstore, online, or check it out at the library and join in the discussion at your leisure. I hope to hear everyone’s comments.

Day 1 p. 1-24

Chapter 1

Vocabulary Words:

Concatenation: to connect or link in a series or chain
Inchoate: imperfectly formed or developed
Paradigm: a set of assumptions, concepts, values, practices that constitute a way of viewing reality for those that share them
Concomitant: one that exists concurrently with another
Flagrant: conspicuously bad, offensive
Egregiousness: same as above
Dichotomy: division into two contradictary parts
Grist: something that can be used to advantage

Questions:

What is your opinion regarding Eger’s metaphor for the universe as a “cosmic orchestra?” (p. 4)

Eger writes that “not only is the universe made of music, it is music.” What is your reaction to this statement? Do you think this idea is realistic or lofty thus far? (p. 7)

Chapter 2

Wheedle: To use flattery or cajolery to achieve one's ends.
Dour: Marked by sternness or harshness; forbidding
Brusquely: Abrupt and curt in manner or speech; discourteously blunt
Surmised: To infer (something) without sufficiently conclusive evidence
Inveterate: Firmly and long established; deep-rooted
Amorphous: Lacking definite form; shapeless
Disparity: The condition or fact of being unequal
Contention: A striving to win in competition
Repudiated: To reject the validity or authority of
Canard: An unfounded or false, deliberately misleading story

How does Eger believe music can affect positive social change (p. 11)?

What exactly does he mean in saying “What music could have helped accomplish, politics destroyed?” (p. 14)

Chapter 3

Subversive: especially intended to overthrow or undermine an established government
Pacifism: The belief that disputes between nations should and can be settled peacefully
Sectarian: Narrow-minded

Do you agree/disagree with Einstein’s quote: “The world is a dangerous place to live in not because of those who do evil, but because of those who watch and let it happen?” Why or why not? (p. 17)

Chapter 4

Naif: Variants of naive
Tenuous: Having little substance
Cacophony: Jarring, discordant sound; dissonance
Tantamount: Equivalent in effect or value
Intoning: To recite in a singing tone
Surreptitiously: Obtained, done, or made by clandestine or stealthy means

Have you ever had a tramatizing event affect your life in a way to change your whole perception of the world? Do you think that because of this event you became a better person or in the end some positive change occurred in your life? Please share your experiences (Feel free to post anonymous on this one). (p. 21-22)

Chapter 5

Abstruse: Difficult to understand

Why do you think it is so difficult for musicians to make a living being ‘professional musicians.” (p. 25)
- posted by Muse @ 2:59 PM 1 comments

 
Welcome to the beginning of expanding your mind!
In an effort to continue critical discussions of literature (started by a small group of friends) and defy the limits of busy schedules, I have created this blog. The first book up for discussions is entitled: "Einstein's Violin: A Conductor's Notes on Music, Physics, and Social Change" by Joseph Eger. I will attempt to read (or at least post) in a 5 chapter per day format. Each chapter's notes will contain definitions of words less known to me and one or two critical questions. I will limit answering these questions until after at least 2-3 responses are made, so that it doesn't seem like I'm talking to myself.



- posted by Muse @ 2:25 PM 0 comments