Absolutely on Music

Beyond being a highly talented author, Haruki Murakami has always been passionate about music. This volume is a collection of recorded conversations Murakami undertook with Seiji Ozawa, one of Japan's most talented conductors. Both participants' passion for their subject matter is evident, as is their fundamentally humane streak. Writing, of course, is quite private and personal, whereas conducting is an inherently performative art where each piece is partly a function of orchestra, venue and interpretation. Even if classical music has never been my thing, the joy others can derive from its power becomes abundant in reading this work. Even if it is not something I would return to, this piece of writing was a delight to read. N/R.

By Haruki Murakami