The Concerto

Concerto

We don't have television, but we do listen to a lot of audio content (books and lectures) at home. The fun thing about Drake and I listening together is that we are sharing the experience. That probably happens with TV so maybe this is no different, except that rather than 1 hour episodes, we are immersing ourselves in a lecture topic or book for weeks - or in some cases even months.

We check audio content out of the library. Drake is the library master and enjoys making the selections. Sometimes we talk about what to listen to next; sometimes he likes to surprise me.

We just started a new lecture series, which Drake got as a surprise: The Concerto by Prof. Robert Greenberg. Bob Greenberg is one of the most prolific Teaching Company lecturers - and he's my personal favorite. Partly this is due to the subject matter he covers (classical music) but part is just Bob Greenberg. He's a riot - I mean really funny - but at the same time the humor is always (well most always) in the service of being informative.

Drake likes to say that Bob Greenberg changed his life. It's not much of an exaggeration. Though I had studied classical music and been around classical music growing up, Drake had no such exposure. The first Greenberg lecture we listened to How to Listen to and Understand Great Music opened up a whole new understanding of music for both of us. It was a catalyst that lead to lots more listening, lots more concerts, and many more hours of reading and study. I am sure serious music academicians sniff somewhat at Greenberg's popular approach, but the fact is very few people experience music at an expert, intellectual level. I love Greenberg's light-hearted approach to classical music, because, after all, enjoying music is an emotional experience.

I think I am going to love The Concerto. And the timing of starting a set of music lectures is perfect, as the symphony's opening night is this Saturday.