Literary Notes: Music and Books

Music seems to begin where words end, expressing things we cannot express with mere syllables. I know from experience - as a blogger, trying to describe a song you want to recommend to everyone is just an absolute nightmare! From the beginning, I have said this blog is all about the emotion music gives you, and how it can spark imagination.

I love to read. The happiest place I could ever be found in is surrounded by books with a vinyl on. Since I have been busy lately with my Literature course, I realized I didn't have a chance to read my OWN books, the ones I always buy when out. So, with the terrible side effect of abandoning this blog for a short while, I found that I had spent a lot of my time with my head buried in a book.

One of these books was 'A Visit From the Goon Squad' by Jennifer Egan, and it gave me this idea. Apart from recommending the book to you all (you should read it though, it's great), the one thing that interested me about this book was its musical feel. It was then to my delight that the author herself had compiled a playlist of songs to listen to while reading her novel. It reminded me of the time my favorite teacher asked us all to make a playlist for Hamlet as homework, and although fun I found it rather pointless.

When thinking about these things now, I began to muse on what music can add to a novel. What would other classic characters listen to if they had the music of today? What music will provide a background for certain books? Where can I find out? So, I decided to do this little feature. I will compile a small playlist of about 3 songs for one classic character, and recommend an album to listen to alongside some kind of book. It will be a regular thing, so if you want to recommend anyone to me - go right ahead.

Atticus Finch

After a lot of thought, this is probably my favorite classic literary character ever, so I couldn't resist. Since he is an inward, thoughtful type, I can't help but imagine him listening to dark, poetic blues. Soulful words with distinctive voices.

The first artist I thought he would adore is Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. With deep, haunting vocals and simple guitar in the background, it seems to reflect the darker side of small town life. Since he is a lawyer, I don't think he would be able to resist 'Henry Lee'. I also MAY have chose this particular song because the author of To Kill a Mockingbird is Harper Lee, and it sounds similar. Either way, I think this will be a good choice.

Next, I thought he would have something to remind him of Tom Robinson. Something to reflect the plight of what he and Tom went through. Something melancholic, yet soulful at the same time. Also, it would be a song of mourning, and that reflects unity (something Atticus seemed to strive for). This is why I chose 'Down tn the River to Pray' by Alison Krauss. This song means the same to anyone, Christian or not, and the beautiful, goosebump-inducing moment when she calls the 'sinners' is something very special.

Finally, something of hope and wisdom. Atticus's kids would have had a huge impact on him, and I think the simple wisdom of 'Imagine' would resonate with him. I don't think this song needs any more introduction.

And now for the album spotlight...

 

Aryeh Frankfurter & Lisa Lynne - Weaving Worlds

This music literally makes you feel as if you are in the middle of an enchanted forest surrounded by fairies. It is very, very mystical - with beautiful harps and strings that seem to transport you to another world. This is fantastic to listen to in relation to traditional fantasy books - whether it be Lord of the Rings or similar. Something with magic and deep forests will come to life with this as its soundtrack. Here is a quick sample to have a listen: