Have recently read Oliver Sacks' latest book, Musicophilia - Tales of Music and the Brain, an investigation into the many normal and abnormal neuro-psychological states related to music in various ways. Sacks is a brilliant writer who never loses touch with the human aspect of the case studies he describes. And he sure describes a lot of very abnormal cases, from people who see colors or have tastes occur in their mouths when they hear music (synesthesia), to people who hear nothing but clanging pots and pans when the rest of us hear a beautiful piano concerto (amusica - of which he even experienced two short occurances). He discusses how the ability to remember and even learn songs is one of the last memories to go in various dementias, and the incredibly heartbreaking William's syndrome, which is a condition of very low IQ, yet profound musical abilities, yet unlike a savant, which he also discusses. All this tied to a scientific discussion of the brain and the relative functionality of lobes and amygdalas and such. It is fascinating, and at the same time horrifying, as he describes various conditions that may befall musicians, some enhancing their music and some ending their careers.
For anyone who enjoys, plays and particularly those who perform music, of any kind, this book should be on your summer list. I found it very inspiring.
All for now.
John C.
