Absolutely on Music: Conversations with Seiji Ozawa

If you're a true Murakami fan, you'll understand precisely what music means to him. One of the aspects I love when reading anything by this man is his ear for a good tune, and nowhere is this more evident than his passion for classical music.This is a wonderful concept and a book that is just thoroughly enjoyable to read. A conversation between two creative greats, the tone is warm and sentimental but above provides an excellent insight into two successful men who have worked hard to achieve their positions.

If you are a Murakami fan and like me, a lover of classical music but not able to read music, then you may well enjoy this book.These are a series of conversations between Murakami and Seiji Ozawa the venerable conductor who studied under Karajan and Bernstein in the 1960s. Its not a book that will ever be a university text, but it provides the average reader with some insight as to how one conductor thinks and practices his art. In addition Murakami is able to draw some parallels and contrasts with the process of writing novels, explored previously in 'What I talk about when I talk about running'.So, if you want to be entertained and pointed in the direction of some interesting versions of some major classical pieces (not all with Ozawa conducting) then you will find this a rollicking good read. I certainly learnt some new things about for example, Glenn Gould, an enigma whose recordings you either love or hate.I now also have an understanding why I am attracted to music by Japanese composers like Takemitsu. It's the ma...For an explanation, you will have to read the book! I consumed the 300 pages in very quick time and its one for a reread at some point.

Just to be clear: up until now I didn't even know who Murakami was. I bought the book just to learn something from Maestro Ozawa. Sadly, instead of impersonating the role of the interviewer (as I thought it'd be the case in books of this kind), Murakami decides to present himself as an ultra-competent attentive listener and musicologist. I wonder how can a non-musician be so audacious expressing his views on music when talking to a conductor like Ozawa. I am quite disappointed that most of the written text is Murakami's rather than Ozawa's. A missed opportunity for the reader to learn more about music and for Murakami to learn something about humility.

When a great writer and music lover such as Murakami gets together with his friend and great conductor Seiji Ozawa you can expect both fascinating insights into the music and great anecdotes about the performers involved. Ozawa studied with Leonard Bernstein in New York in the 1960's and was given a grounding in conducting by Herbert von Karajan no less. The discussions had me frequently checking out the recordings they were discussing which would often be playing along as I read. Nothing too technical here so very accessible to everyone irrespective of their level of musical training.

This is a review on the quality of the physical hard back book, not the literary content. For a brand new book, there was considerable damage to the book's cover and sleeve. If I'd bought it from a second hand seller who had advertised it as "like new" or "very good", I would have been disappointed, but I ordered a brand new copy from Amazon and am very disappointed in its condition. It is not fit to be given to someone else as a gift as it looks pre-owned due to the damage. Looking forward to reading it though, and will probably just stick to trusted second-hand sellers and charity shops when looking for good quality physical books in the future!

Some useful insights about music and Ozawa, but Murakami's role is overplayed, given that he is at best an informed listener.

Very easy to read and well translated. The concepts spoken has helped my enjoy orchestral music to a much deeper level as a novice.As a bonus the principles and concepts spoken have translated into my work as an Osteopath/Doctor.

Recommend also listening to the recordings/music discussed to get best out of it.