This highly sensitive and beautifully written book looks closely at the way contemporary Western artists negotiate death; both as personal experience and in the wider community. Townsend discusses but moves beyond the spectacle of death in work by artists such as Damien Hirst to see how mortality - in particular the experience of other peoples death - brings us face to face with profound ethical and even political issues. He looks at personal responses to death in the work of artists as varied as Francis Bacon; Tracey Emin and Derek Jarman; whose film Blue is discussed here in depth. Exploring the last body of work by the the Kentucky-based photographer Ralph Eugene Meatyard; and Jewish American installation artist Shimon Atties powerful memorial work for the community of Aberfan; Townsend considers death in light of the injunction to love they neighbour.adroit little books - The Times Literary Supplement
#255518 in eBooks 2015-02-13 2015-02-23File Name: B00OHRYYFO
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Some of the other reviewers made it seem like this book would really transform your musicianshipBy Arthur Trit CobslThis book is very light on details. I took only one course in aural skills in college; and that course went past what was in this book. Some of the other reviewers made it seem like this book would really transform your musicianship. For me; it didnt and I dont think it would for most people. I cant really see what kind of musician would benefit from this book. Its very broad and seems almost the authors philosophy on music; but I didnt find it useful9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Very helpfulBy Scott FrazerI read this book as a self-taught musician whos been playing an instrument in some form most of my life but never had any formal training. This book really helped me figure out how to progress to the next level.I find his writing style to be straight to the point and no long-winded stories. The concise writing is further aided by frequently bolding important portions of the the text. This may seem like a minor thing but it really helps convey what the author thinks is most important. The author also lays out clear goals like "perceiving music and directly transcribing it" and he plots a course for how to get there. He does a good job at emphasizing that its a long road to success and requires a lot of practice.The exercises are very well laid out. Id say there are around 90 exercises in the book ranging from "create your own instrument and explore the sound quality of it" to "transcribe a song" and everything in between. Im particular fond; right now; of the ear training section and the exercises there.The author really comes across as somebody whos "been there; done that" and is aware of what is important for developing the cognitive skills that a musician will need.If I had to offer criticism; Id say that this book does assume you already know music notation. I think Id personally find it more useful if he got rid of chapter 3 (just skip it; in my opinion) and instead maybe threw in short chapter about getting up to speed with music notation.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. great for even just interval trainingBy Alexander MuirThe section on distinguishing intervals; by tonality; span and resonance; has helped me so much.Im working on recognizing intervals and this section illuminated really helpful features of each interval.
