12.23.08
Doktor Faustus & A Song
Doktor Faustus
Das Leben des deutschen Tonsetzers Adrian Leverkühn, erzählt von einem Freunde
(The Life of the German composer Adrian Leverkühn, told by a friend)
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No more Mann puns. No one can possibly come out with the faintest tinge of humour in mind after being submerged in Doktor Faustus, and the translator H. T. Lowe – Porter was in no jesting state when of this book she revealed, “It is to be feared. The author himself has feared it.” The tears of undistinguishable emotions and the cold sweat I experienced during the concluding chapters were attestations to this articulation. For all my frailties as a reader, this book turned out to be a behemoth as I struggled through the staggering passages. One must not misunderstand this statement as an aversion towards Mann’s work, for it is truly a product of virtuosity, and Mann is doubtlessly a genius!
The book (and not the “novel”, the narrator constantly indicates), was returned to its place alongside Goethe and Hesse yesterday and after I had seemingly gathered my wits, I allowed myself to skim through some literary commentaries – partly to prove whether my dim understanding had at least grasped some essential issues. I’m glad I read none of these beforehand because most of what was presented online focused on very technical matters that may have weakened my urge, but only because the spellbinding experience that the book provides the reader and the depth of it all can never be recapitulated in stark little paragraphs; and a stab at that, this inexperienced reader shall not pursue. But if I were really to be solicited for a few words pertaining Doktor Faustus, I can only answer in the same manner the narrator Serenus Zeitblom spoke of one of Adrian Leverkühn’s compositions; “Very rarely in all literature have word and music met and married as here.”
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Note to Mika: It is very interesting how you mentioned Arnold Schönberg earlier. This book reputably enraged him because Thomas Mann merited Leverkühn for the development of the 12-tone technique and Schönberg feared that history would praise Mann for the discovery instead of him, hence the author’s note crediting Schönberg in the last pages of Doktor Faustus.
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How fascinating that reading creates the impression of measuring time but altogether makes one oblivious of time - and how time hastens! The year is coming to an end and on a lighter and brighter angle I wish everyone a blessed season and pray that we not exhaust ourselves with the festivities but spend this occasion for giving thanks and contemplating on the past and coming year. I shall leave you all with a simple song from the musical A Christmas Carol that never fails to touch me the whole year round:
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Let the stars in the sky
Remind us of man’s compassion
Let us love till we die and
God Bless us everyone
In your heart there’s a light
As bright as a star in heaven
Let it shine through the night and
God bless us everyone
Till each child is fed,
Till all men are free
Till the world becomes a family
Star by star in the sky and
Kindness by human kindness
Let me love till I die and
God bless us everyone!
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mika said,
December 23, 2008 at 11:43 am
i was so interested by your previous post that i actually added doktor faustus to my christmas wishlist! sadly, it seems none of the books i wished for were found. mann!!! :P but i shall buy it as soon as i go to a bookstore.
there’s another interesting story about schoenberg and doktor faustus… in a shopping complex in california, a wife of an emigre novelist was examining some grapes when suddenly, she heard shouting in german. she saw schoenberg coming towards her, yelling: “lies, frau marta, lies! you have to know, i never had syphilis!” i guess he was afraid people would think adrian leverkuhn’s character was based on schoenberg’s life… so that’s one composer who must have read the book. others included ligeti, schnittke, and eisler. (i’m sure there are many others)
yeah, the year’s almost over again! looking back, i can’t believe so many events happened in just one year, it all seems like such a short time in retrospect. happy holidays, Miracle!
sopraninigabi said,
December 23, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Tears and cold sweat?!? Oh golly… what a powerful book it must be!
Hehe Meewa dear, my “to-buy” book list is continuously expanding thanks to your literary notes. The other day I found a copy of “When Nietszche Wept” by Yalom and bought it. Will read it after I finish the book I’m currently reading. :) Don’t ever stop!
And I can completely relate with the passage of time when one reads. Magugulat ka na lang, “Whoa… kaka-breakfast ko lang a… bakit lunch time na?” hahaha
Miracle ♪♫ said,
December 23, 2008 at 2:10 pm
¤ To Mika:
You’re quickly adapting my MANNers, Mika. =P
A friend wishes to borrow the book, but when he’s done, I can lend it to you if you still haven’t secured a copy by then. =)
Haha Tsk, tsk. Poor Schönberg must have been so paranoid after the book was published! Most people actually owe the syphilis portion to Nietzsche.
Yes, this year has been a magical year especially with our new-found knowledge-thirsty Multiply community. I’m very thankful for that. Happy holidays to you as well, Mika!
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¤ To Gabi:
It certainly is a colossal book, Gabi.
Haha, you’ve also broadened my literary wishlist in the same way. Glad you’ve found “When Nietzsche Wept”. Perhaps you should lend Mika a hand concerning bookstore excursions! ;-)
Uh huh! Reading seems to be one of the best activities for savoring time while allowing it to fly.
=)
mika said,
December 23, 2008 at 7:28 pm
yes, the multiply community has really been a blessing to me this year. i’ve never been much of a reader, but thanks to you and the community, i’m growing to enjoy reading! thank you so much :)
jonathan hawk follows closely said,
December 24, 2008 at 12:28 am
not one Mann pun here, just the thanks for elevating us all with your wonderful sense of vision.
Miracle ♪♫ said,
December 24, 2008 at 7:42 am
¤ To Mika:
A blessing to me as well, Mika. I’ve learned much from someone as young as you. Thank you, too. =)
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¤ To Jonathan:
I believe that this sense of elevation can be acquired anywhere as long as one has an open heart and mind… and you have such a heart and mind. Thank you, Jonathan. =)