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What music do you listen to while reading philosophy?


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Posted

When I listen to music while reading philosophy, I typically choose something minimal or ambient that will fit nicely in the background. Sigur Ros and Brian Eno are popular choices. I find it difficult to focus on what I'm reading if the music has lyrics.

Posted

It really depends on how involved I'm getting. If I'm trying really hard to concentrate on it, I actually prefer dead silence. However, sometimes specific philosophers (especially people like Wittgenstein and Nietzsche) actually talk about the specific virtues of specific musicians, so I'll listen to the music they enjoyed to try to get into their heads, so to speak. So, for Wittgenstein, I'll listen to Schubert's Quintet or for Nietzsche, I'll listen to Beethoven or something out of Tristan und Isolde. Sometimes though, I just prefer to listen to music of my own choosing. During those times, I listen to Satie or Chopin, as I prefer their work over any other composer's. 

Posted

It really depends on how involved I'm getting. If I'm trying really hard to concentrate on it, I actually prefer dead silence. However, sometimes specific philosophers (especially people like Wittgenstein and Nietzsche) actually talk about the specific virtues of specific musicians, so I'll listen to the music they enjoyed to try to get into their heads, so to speak. So, for Wittgenstein, I'll listen to Schubert's Quintet or for Nietzsche, I'll listen to Beethoven or something out of Tristan und Isolde. Sometimes though, I just prefer to listen to music of my own choosing. During those times, I listen to Satie or Chopin, as I prefer their work over any other composer's. 

 

Fun fact: Nietzsche was a composer himself, and he was quite good. 

Posted

It really depends on how involved I'm getting. If I'm trying really hard to concentrate on it, I actually prefer dead silence. However, sometimes specific philosophers (especially people like Wittgenstein and Nietzsche) actually talk about the specific virtues of specific musicians, so I'll listen to the music they enjoyed to try to get into their heads, so to speak. So, for Wittgenstein, I'll listen to Schubert's Quintet or for Nietzsche, I'll listen to Beethoven or something out of Tristan und Isolde. Sometimes though, I just prefer to listen to music of my own choosing. During those times, I listen to Satie or Chopin, as I prefer their work over any other composer's. 

 

Sounds like we have very similar taste in music.  I am trained in classical piano, but I have a wide range of interests.  With a good attitude, most music can be appreciated.

 

Interestingly, I can't listen to music when I'm thinking very deeply about anything.  But when I'm really having trouble staying on task, putting on headphones can make a real difference.  Sometimes the music gets me into the mode of thinking, and perfect silence sustains it.

Posted

I am also trained in classical piano, which is exactly why I *can't* listen to classical when I'm studying. It's too distracting. I get caught up in the music. Well, it depends. Sometimes I can manage some familiar baroque.

 

Generally, though, I prefer to listen to simple, not too melodic, electronica. Ellen Allien, Daniel Avery, Livity Sound...those were some of my constants last year when writing.

 

I am fascinated by how we use music to help regulate our lives and activities. On a long run, I need either upbeat pop music, or a really interesting album that I haven't heard before.

Posted

I am also trained in classical piano, which is exactly why I *can't* listen to classical when I'm studying. It's too distracting. I get caught up in the music. Well, it depends. Sometimes I can manage some familiar baroque.

 

Generally, though, I prefer to listen to simple, not too melodic, electronica. Ellen Allien, Daniel Avery, Livity Sound...those were some of my constants last year when writing.

 

I am fascinated by how we use music to help regulate our lives and activities. On a long run, I need either upbeat pop music, or a really interesting album that I haven't heard before.

 

Who's the greatest classical pianist of the 20th century?  My vote (and this is sentimental): Arthur Rubenstein.  I used to listen to him play Chopin on my way to school in the 10th grade.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mgf_6upXw94

Posted

I also like to listen to pure shit, 80s pop trash.  Synth-pop garbage.  I really don't know why.  I think it's some kind of personal defect.  I think it's loud, predictable.  It's a sensory experience.

Posted (edited)

I listen to instrumental metal or doom or stoner metal or sludge (Lento, Russian Circles, Pelican, KYOTY, Year of no Light), but  usually only if I am out in a cafe or some place that is naturally noisy. Sometimes post-rock. At home it's either silence or classical, mostly Mahler. When I write, nothing. 

Edited by objectivityofcontradiction
Posted

Mostly Erik Satie and Arvo Pärt, but when I'm in an especially focused mood I can listen to music in languages I can't understand (Magma, primarily).

Posted

Usually mellow, ambient music. Once upon a time I was a music major and studied quite a bit of theory, so most music catches my ear in a distracting way.

Posted

Fun fact: Nietzsche was a composer himself, and he was quite good. 

I knew he was a composer, but I've never liked his work to be honest. It's vaguely Chopin-y, but not as good.

  • 3 months later...

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