Musical Concerns

Perhaps the most important attribute of this book to observe is that Levinson is an impressively clear writer. He has a strong preference for a plain-speaking style; and, when he ventures into obscure areas, he tends to be excellent at shining just the right amount of light to allow the reader to negotiate the unfamiliarity. Equally important is that Musical Concerns can be read without having to draw upon the earlier volumes as sources of prerequisite knowledge. Each of the twelve essays in this book is firmly situated in the present, and references to past work are always given due background explanation. * Stephen Smoliar, Examiner.com *
Levinson has written so many important essays in aesthetics and his reputation is so secure -- he is well established as one of our leading philosophers of art -- that any new book from him merits attention ... it is refreshing to find multiple essays discussing songs and singing instead of composed works in the classical tradition. The value for newcomers to Levinson's work -- or even newcomers to philosophy of music or to philosophy of art -- is that it is organized so that the initial chapters consist of clear, straightforward exposition of his views on the nature of music appreciation, the value of music, and the nature of musical works. * Theodore Gracyk, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews Online *
This volume is a handsome collection of Jerrold Levinson's latest concerns about philosophy and music. * John M. Carvalho, British Journal of Aesthetics *