If I Am A Musical Thinker

by Benjamin Boretz

If I Am A Musical Thinker  is a statement of the aesthetic, social, and spiritual credo of the influential American composer and writer Benjamin Boretz. Boretz proposes that artistic expression answers primal human needs for experiencing identity through articulation in artistic media; and further, that theoretical reflection is -- constructively or deconstructively.

56 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Joel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting little book - an academic speech presented in a small-format paperback, accompanied by black-and-white illustrations akin to Rorschach blots. The author presents an interesting take on the nature of music and why we, as musicians, choose to engage creatively with it and to what end.

[Doug]

Hmmmm. This book has been on my shelf for decades, but I only just read it. It belongs to my wife. She doesn't remember its origins and always remembers having it.

Upon the first read, I can't tell if its about listening or also playing music? I can't tell if its erudite meandering or something profound. However, considering the premise of the book (as I see it), let me take from the book what I need right now... It helps explain that feeling I get from improvisational jams when I lose myself, forget I'm playing, and just respond to what I'm hearing from others. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, it is amazing. If I think about it, I typically lose it, but occassionally I realize what is happening and I don't fall out of the flow. In those rare moments (rare for me at least), I feel like I can do anything. It's like simultaneously painting a picture with other people with no preset plan. It's as close to pure expression as I've ever got.