Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain

By Oliver Sacks

What goes on in human beings when they make or listen to music? What is it about music, what gives it such peculiar power over us, power delectable and beneficent for the most part, but also capable of uncontrollable and sometimes destructive force? Music has no concepts, it lacks images; it has no power of representation, it has no relation to the world. And yet it is evident in all of us–we tap our feet, we keep time, hum, sing, conduct music, mirror the melodic contours and feelings of what we hear in our movements and expressions.

In this book, Oliver Sacks explores the power music wields over us–a power that sometimes we control and at other times don’t. He explores, in his inimitable fashion, how it can provide access to otherwise unreachable emotional states, how it can revivify neurological avenues that have been frozen, evoke memories of earlier, lost events or states or bring those with neurological disorders back to a time when the world was much richer.
This is a book that explores, like no other, the myriad dimensions of our experience of and with music.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: Feb 5, 2010
• ISBN: 9780307373496

Oliver Sacks

Oliver Sacks was born in 1933 in London and was educated at the Queen's College, Oxford. He completed his medical training at San Francisco's Mount Zion Hospital and at UCLA before moving to New York, where he soon encountered the patients whom he would write about in his book Awakenings. Dr Sacks spent almost fifty years working as a neurologist and wrote many books, including The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, Musicophilia, and Hallucinations, about the strange neurological predicaments and conditions of his patients. The New York Times referred to him as 'the poet laureate of medicine', and over the years he received many awards, including honours from the Guggenheim Foundation, the National Science Foundation, the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the Royal College of Physicians. In 2008, he was appointed Commander of the British Empire. His memoir, On the Move, was published shortly before his death in August 2015.

Reviews for Musicophilia

[jbd1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sacks' observational essays on all things musical. Typically good.

[jaygheiser · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fascinating book, great read

[marianasoffer-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

music according to sacks

[bell7_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Neurologist and prolific author Oliver Sacks turns his attention to music and the brain in this collection of case studies of patients and others.I've read Hallucinations and Gratitude, and own two other books by Sacks that I'm interested in reading. His collections of case studies both shine light on how the brain works and what it can do when it works uniquely in an individual. I found this one of his weaker books. Music is the driving force behind it, but the case studies are all over the place, running the gamut from perfect pitch (very closely related to music) to an individual who had such severe amnesia and short term memory loss that he couldn't remember anything within a few minutes but who nonetheless could still relate to music. Some chapters were organized thematically and introduced several case studies; a few were one unique case study, only a few pages long. And for some reason, this one in particular had a lot of notes referring to case studies that were explored more fully in his earlier books. I carried on because I did enjoy what I was learning, but it's probably not a book I'd reread nor one I'd recommend as an introduction to Sacks' work.

[mrgan-2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Interesting stories and ideas about music as a pretty basic human need and facility. The book is a bit jumbled, though, so individual cases aren't as memorable.

[brakketh-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I found this book less compelling than others of Sacks' I think that this is because the case studies included in this volume were a little too short/lacking in detail. I think that it was also due to the fact that for the phenomena of music I was more interested in the theory rather than the rather repetitive music case studies. I also found that Sacks introduced himself into too many of the stories,still a very interesting read that I would recommend to others.

[gypsysmom_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I almost wish I had a rare brain disorder so I could get to meet Dr. Sacks. He is a fascinating person on paper but I suspect face to face he would be unforgettable. He describes himself as shy and withdrawn but he obviously connects with patients and his co-workers. In this book, as in Uncle Tungsten, he has allowed more of himself to come through. Perhaps it is because the subject, music, was an integral part of his growing up. I learned a lot about music by reading this book. Music has always been important to me and I took piano lessons for 10 years but I am not gifted musically. I can sing in tune if I am with others but on my own I have trouble staying on key. The one thing piano lessons did for me was make me appreciate music and I am in awe of people who can play, compose, sing or even keep a rhythm. My mother, who never had any formal music training until she was in her late 60's, could sight read music, play from memory, transpose keys for music that people had trouble singing and even compose songs. When she was retired she started playing for church occasionally (whereas I got horrible stage fright playing for an audience) and she decided she would learn to play the organ so she could play that for church. Even when she wasn't practising for church she would often spend hours playing the organ. One of her dogs would climb into the big recliner and gaze happily at her when she played. After reading this book, especially the part about music therapy for Alzheimer's patients, I wish we had organized music therapy for my mother when she was in the later stages of that disease. I think she would have benefited enormously by it. I'm making a note to myself that I want to explore some facet of music when I retire. As Sacks says in his final paragraph: Music is part of being human, and there is no human culture in which it is not highly developed and esteemed. Its very ubiquity may cause it to be trivialized in daily life: we switch on a radio, switch it off, hum a tune, tap our feet, find the words of an old song going through our minds, and think nothing of it. But to those who are lost in dementia, the situation is different. Music is no luxury to them, but a necessity, and can have a power beyond anything else to restore them to themselves, and to others, at least for a while. I hope Oliver Sacks has many more books in him. I'll be reading every word.

[bornanalog · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A marvellous testament to the amazing complexity of the brain and its ability to reorganize and rewire itself. It is equally a reminder of why a term like neurodiversity is so important; that reading a difference as a "disability" often masks the different pathways of experience and even creativity that neural differences make possible. It is, equally, a reminder of the terror and loneliness that can accompany some types of brain dysfunctions. I found the book, however, a bit of a slog, and that was simply because it was overstuffed with examples. Every time a specific condition is introduced, Sacks then discusses umpteen examples of it. Moreover, similar points about brain functioning are often made across chapters, making the book as a whole somewhat repetitive. However, the curioisty and generosity of the author shines through.

[threadnsong · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A fascinating look into music and the brain. Both have many dimensions, and Sacks explores how music affects humans by helping save a life (including his own) by singing the same song to get to a place of safety; to not shutting off when the brain is injured; to that terrible condition for a musician called Musician's Dystonia. How some Parkinson's patients can communicate through music, or other musically-inclined people can see the colors of music and instruments. It is a fascinating look at both worlds, although maps of the human brain would have been helpful.

[ehousewright-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fascinating look at the complexity that is music and its effects on and from the complexity that is the human brain. I wish I would actually remember the various brain locations he mentions, but just seeing the variety of symptoms and how music therapy of various types can mitigate some gives you hope that someday even more can be understood and helped.

[pattylee-621744 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I think I liked the concept of this book more than the execution. Sachs is a great teller of tales, but after 300 some pages of tales, I fear we are no closer to a deep understanding of exactly how the musical brain functions, misfunctions, fires or misfires and that is profoundly unsatisfying. Reading about the brain has been a sort of hobby of mine for years, so I can place this is a continuum of literature on the subject. It almost seems brain-lite, if you will. Stories, many tragic, some amusing, not all illuminating. But what I want is to understand the "why." For a much better, deeper, more encompassing book on the same subject, try Levitin's This is your Brain on Music.

[ciruelo_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

In Musicophilia Oliver Sacks explores the relationship of music and the brain through medical case studies and his own personal experiences. This book follows the format of Sack's previous writings and the content seems somewhat familiar. At times the material is a bit dry or the discussion of a topic overextended. Yet Musicophilia worthwhile reading because Sack's writing continues to reflect his remarkable knowledge, insight, and empathy.

[scottcholstad · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Honestly, not what I was expecting. Possibly because I may not have paid enough attention to its premise, so that would be my fault. Still, not what I wanted and fairly dry at that, not reader-friendly, so probably only good for a niche audience...

[jjmcgaffey · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Very interesting - particularly the part(s) where he says that everyone has an emotional reaction to music. I don't. I like music, I sing and play, but it's all about the words - the tune supports them but doesn't have much impact by itself. Purely instrumental music is pleasant noise, doesn't connect to me. I can't remember a tune without words to it (without a huge number of repetitions). Which made a lot of his assumptions fascinating - like learning that most people can see a color I never knew existed. The parts about music therapy were also interesting - how it can help with aphasia (loss of words) and with physical problems from Parkinson's tremors to locked muscles or nerves. He ends with some sweeping generalizations about the depth to which music is part of our selves, physically (spread throughout the brain) and mentally/emotionally/culturally; I found (as I usually do with Sacks' books) that the smaller observations and case studies were more interesting than the grand conclusions.

[padmajoy-1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I usually enjoy Oliver Sacks' books but I could not get through this one. I recommend "A Leg to Stand On" as one that is most wonderful.

[georgeslacombe_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I 've read the portuguese translation of this book

[quibee · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book has been interesting, but one it took me a good long while to get through. The brain is a really amazing thing and it was interesting to see what effect music has on the brain and also the brain on one's perception of music.

It's one that I'm glad I've read, but also one I'm glad I've finished.

[bookaholic2-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Found it profitable both from the neuroscience aspects and the impact of music (the musical brain) and the human condition impacted by the various conditions discussed. While it is likely most appreciated by those with a background in neuroscience, I believe it would benefit the layman. I should note that I read the 2008 Revised and Expanded edition.

[amymyoung_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The book is definitely not a "general interest" book, and will be appreciated by those with an eclectic choice of reading or a deep interest in music and the human mind.

Musicophilia is quite entertaining, though at about the mid-point (where he is discussing the case of Clive) Dr. Sacks goes off the rails into a siding that leaves you wanting to put the book down and not come back. If you can brave through that point the rest of the book raises some interesting questions and case studies.

[phredfrancis · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

While the stories and case studies were inconsistently interesting--some were more much more compelling than others, and some were given more attention than my level of interest seemed to want--this is still a very interesting collection. There's no strong central thesis here, but Sacks is a solid writer who draws makes many interesting connections and has a strong feeling for the people with whom he comes into contact. One could easily get quite a lot from the book simply by dipping into it and reading those chapters that seem most interesting. And of course some background and training in music, neither of which I have, would probably amplify one's interest in some of the portions I found slightly tiresome, such as discussion about the source and varieties of perfect pitch.

[philipjhunt · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Sacks follows a familiar path in this exploration of music-related mental conditions. Perhaps I am finding the path a bit well-worn, but I tired of the format before the end. Partly this is my problem rather than Sacks as much of the material is already known to me. Nevertheless there is always something to surprise, wonder or learn with his books.

[trile1000 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Intellectual and emotional. This book gives various anecdotes about how music affects people. Some are about how one's very existence and identity are attached to music. Some parts were just heartbreaking in how music was able to inspire people, how music was the only thing that allowed some people to have some sort of existence. Fascinating read.

[fefferbooks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I never read non-fiction, but this was just. so. fascinating! Sacks' style is conversational and warm--never sterile nor overly academic. If I were in need of a world-renowned neurologist, I'd certainly be seeking out Sacks, who is clearly a compassionate and involved scientist.

If you've ever found yourself curious about how music affects your brain, or why you just can't get that song out of your head, or how music might help those with (X, Y, Z) disease, this is the book for you.

[shabacus · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I found this book to be... interesting. It was fascinating in places, and in others did not fully hold my attention. The average was... interesting.Dr. Sacks takes an anecdotal approach to the subject of music and the brain, delving into many aspects of human cognition. The majority of these anecdotes revolved around a patient with some sort of disease, which should not have been surprising given that the author is a doctor. The result was to give the book an unexpected pathos.In terms of organization, it was sometimes difficult to follow the narrative thread. The chapters read like individual essays, sometimes reintroducing topics as if they had not just been covered a chapter or two before. While this might make each chapter more accessible individually, it hurt the flow of reading it cover to cover. On the other hand, there were also copious references to the authors other book, and I occasionally felt as if he expected me to have read his entire oeuvre before tackling this volume.Although there were some compelling insights into music and the brain, I would not recommend this work for those who approach the subject out of musical interest. Despite the title, this book was about 20% music, and 80% the brain.One more comment: I have seen many reviews that criticize Dr. Sacks in general for adopting an anecdotal approach, rather than a clinical one with more scientific experimentation. I believe that misses the point. This book is an attempt to present a scientific subject for mass consumption, and to follow that advice would be to make it even less accessible than it already is. The book does not make the attempt to treat any disease, but rather to broaden our understanding of how music can play a role in the functioning of the brain, and that goal it accomplishes.

[hcubic · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What good is music? Oliver Sacks (author of The Man Who Mistook his Wife for a Hat, The Island of the Colorblind, and especially - for chemists - Uncle Tungsten) concludes in the Preface to Musicophilia that there is no apparent evolutionary advantage associated with human appreciation for certain combinations of sounds and rhythm. Nevertheless, music remains one of the most powerful evocators of memory and stimulant of emotion. As is always the case with Sacks, his writing is inventive and his perspective combines neuroscience with experiences that we can relate to. One of his chapters deals with the use of music therapy in the treatment of Alzheimer's and other patients with dementia. My daughter who is a hospice social worker had only recently told me similar stories about clients with whom she has had very positive results using music. Like much of the workings of the brain, the response to music is mysterious. It is great to have a guide like Oliver Sacks to take us on a tour of exploration. This inexpensive paperback edition is revised and expanded from the 2007 clothbound.

[thedivineoomba · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Oliver Sacks rights an interesting book about music and the brain. He covers a number of interesting subjects, from an inability to "hear" music (its just sound) to music hallucinations. Some of these stories are absolutely heartbreaking - while others are quite inspiring.My main critique of this book is that some of the subject matter is overly scientific. Mr. Sacks is able to write with empathy, but at times, it felt overly clinical. I also got annoyed with all the footnotes. They added a bunch of information to the story, but for me, distracted my flow of reading. Its a very enjoyable read, and after finishing it, I was thinking more about music and how it affects my life.

[midiane_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

a truly fascinating book. easy to engage with although the science is quite involved. but real people are involved. now there's a scientific reason behind brainworms and musicality...

[switchknitter · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Oliver Sacks writes books about odd neurological problems. This volume is on the brain and its relationship to music. Sacks talks about people who perceive music as cacophony; advanced dementia patients who still remember the words to dozen of songs; people who are hypermusical; differences in the brains of professional musicians compared to the rest of us; and more. It's quite interesting, although I don't think I'll pick up any of his other books. Reading case histories depresses me, especially when they involve dementia or a loss of some ability. Still -- good book. Worth reading.

[refpenny · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Once again, Oliver Sacks details a number of interesting neurological conditions - this time focussing on music. We learn about people who suddenly become musical after a blow on the head, people with musical hallucinations, people with Parkinsons who can use music to get them moving and many more. Along the way we also learn more about how our brains work.

[esta1923 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

"Music was made for blind people," said one of Oliver Sacks patients. While we can understand the value of music for blind people, we know it reaches us all. The case studies reported here describe how DIFFERENTLY music reaches us. (My husband and I hear music quite differently. He is a professional musician and I am not.) A person who uses music as a background is hearing the same piece differently from one who pauses and gives it full attention. Readers of "A Leg to Stand On" will recall the value of music to Sacks during his ordeal, and many who have heard him speak know he swims to music. It's not surprising that this book came from him.