Communing With Music: Practicing The Art Of Conscious Listening

Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful Book
Review:
Communing With Music was recommended to me by a friend who had just attended one of Mr. Cantello's workshops. My friend did not steer me wrong! After reading this book, I feel as if I perceive the world of music through a more sharply focused lens -- or with a new pair of ears, more appropriately. Matthew Cantello's ideas about sound and music are accessible, yet evocative and compelling -- a combination I'd been searching for in such a book. The exercises contained within the chapters are really revelatory; mindfulness applied to the practice of listening, all leading toward increased harmony and well-being. Cantello's knowledge of the origins of musical expression, as well as his compassionate insights into the emotional terrain of our lives left me convinced of the healing power of conscious, mindful listening. Finally, I was amazed at the listing of suggested musical pieces for my communing experiences. What an intriguing variety! Even if the book didn't have so many other qualities to recommend it, this list would be enough for me to do so without hesitation.

Rating:
Summary: This is a BEAUTIFUL piece of writing!!! HIGHLY recommended!
Review: I just picked this book up and finished it within a few days. Anyone who loves music and who also enjoys the stillness of meditation, would benefit greatly from this amazing publication. I found it to be well written and the author easily allows us into HIS world, gently guiding us to another way of "hearing". I now listen differently, I listen with a different part of myself, a part of myself that hears something Deeper, if you will. It's hard to explain unless you read the book and just ease yourself into a new way of hearing things. I also got to meet the author at a book signing and he is really one of the nicest people I ever met, very "down-to earth" and very gracious. Anyway, buy the book. you'll be glad you did. Good luck!