Conventional Wisdom: The Content of Musical Form : Book Review

In Susan McClary's book, "Conventional Wisdom," she offers a fascinating exploration of the societal impact of music. Through her meticulous research and captivating writing style, McClary challenges traditional beliefs about classical music and its role in perpetuating gender and class inequality.

One of the book's strengths is McClary's ability to present complex ideas in a clear and precise manner. She analyzes various musical compositions, revealing the underlying messages and sparking thought-provoking discussions. By exposing how music has been used to uphold dominant ideologies, she encourages readers to critically assess the power dynamics within the classical music tradition.

McClary's engaging prose caters to both academic and general readers. She seamlessly combines historical context, musical theory, and cultural analysis to offer a comprehensive view of the subject matter. Her arguments are well-supported with ample evidence and examples, further solidifying the validity of her viewpoints. From Mozart to Madonna, McClary delves into the layers of meaning that have shaped and influenced the perception and reception of music throughout history.

Another remarkable aspect of "Conventional Wisdom" is McClary's emphasis on the intersectionality of gender, class, and race in the music realm. She reveals how these factors intertwine and impact the creation, distribution, and consumption of music. By exploring various musical genres, McClary highlights how marginalized groups have utilized music as a form of resistance and empowerment.

Overall, "Conventional Wisdom" provides an engaging and thought-provoking analysis of music's societal role. McClary's extensive research and accessible writing style open the door to a wide range of readers. Whether you have a passion for music or are interested in social and cultural theory, this book offers valuable insights into the complexities of music's relationship with power, gender, and class dynamics.

What are readers saying?

The reception of Susan McClary's book, "Conventional Wisdom," has been a subject of mixed opinions. While some readers found it to be thought-provoking and informative, others struggled with its academic nature and complex language.

Those who appreciated the book praised McClary for her unique perspective on classical music and the conventions surrounding it. They admired her courage in challenging traditional interpretations and exposing the gender biases prevailing in the music industry. Many found her insights eye-opening and inspiring, prompting them to question long-held beliefs and seek alternative viewpoints.

On the other hand, some readers found it difficult to connect with McClary's writing style and academic approach. They perceived the book as dense and challenging to comprehend, with excessive use of theoretical concepts and jargon. These readers wished for a more accessible and engaging tone that would have made navigating through the complex arguments easier.

Additionally, several readers felt that the book suffered from repetition. They noted that McClary reiterated her points throughout the text, leading to a monotonous and tedious reading experience. Instead, they would have preferred a more concise and focused analysis, trimming down on the redundancies.

Furthermore, a few readers expressed disappointment in the absence of practical applications or real-life examples in the book. They believed that McClary's theoretical concepts would have been more impactful if she had provided concrete instances to illustrate her arguments. The lack of such examples made it difficult for some readers to fully grasp and relate to the ideas being presented.

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