Dedicated to the idea that music criticism can be both literate and fun to read, The avid listener features weekly essays about popular, world, and Western art music written by rising scholars from all over the United States.
Launched in 2015, this open-access, ever-updating accompaniment to Norton’s music list gives readers the skills to analyze and discuss some of their favorite music while learning about practicing musicians, the industry, and new trends.
Readers will discover how to listen broadly and deeply, to approach music with a curious spirit and a sense of adventure. And with discussion questions appended to each essay, readers can test their own critical skills by engaging in thoughtful debates with listeners all over the world.
Below, Ray Anderson’s Sputniks and mutnicks, which figures in a recent article about songs from the early space race.
