Music in the Moment

Exploring the nature of musical understanding, Jerrold Levinson challenges the conventional belief that awareness of a piece's large-scale structure is essential for comprehension. He posits that a focused, present-minded attention is sufficient for grasping music, drawing on a wide range of listening experiences to support his argument. Levinson aligns with the views of Edmund Gurney, emphasizing that true musical appreciation stems from moment-to-moment engagement rather than an overarching architectural awareness, advocating for the passionate listener's perspective on classical music.