The Musical Ascent of Herman Being: A How-To Novel

by Robert Danziger

"For those drawn toward a deeper involvement with classical music, whose efforts often end in boredom and confusion, help, at last, is on the way."

Genres: Music

105 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Richelle Goodrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are looking for a tested and true philosophy on music appreciation, you have found the right book. Interwoven in a simple, everyday-life story, the author teaches us about how and why individuals come to like or dislike and ultimately appreciate various types of music. The main character, Herman Being, celebrates another birthday and realizes he is fast growing older. Dissatisfied with life and with his job, he contemplates ways to improve himself. Herman has the intriguing idea that if he were to learn to enjoy classical music, he might introduce a new world of sophistication into his mundane life. A few minutes of forcing himself to endure a lengthy musical piece played over a classic-music radio station has him quickly giving up on the idea. Some people just don't like that kind of music, he decides. That is, until he meets a girl who happens to be well-educated in classical music. From that point, Herman starts on a journey that changes his life, his outlook, and his career, educating him in the process about the secrets of music appreciation.

[Jon · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a piece of crap. I had to read this for a music class at community college years ago. Let me save you the trouble and cut to the chase: This book is supposed to help you learn how to enjoy classical music, to one who has no musical background whatsoever. "And the key to this little puzzler of a situation?", you might ask? Why its as simple as repeated listening of the same piece of music. SIMPLE AS THAT! gimme a break...

[Carol Thomas · Rating 1 out of 5]

Eh

[Colby · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read it for class. Blah.