ARE YOU HEARING OR LISTENING?

Cinemavixion Review

Maestro George Marriner Maull presents a compelling case for active musical engagement in "Are You Hearing Or Listening?" This insightful program transcends a simple music appreciation lecture, instead inviting viewers into the composer's mind. By focusing on a specific excerpt from Béla Bartók's "Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta," Maull masterfully illustrates the profound difference between passive auditory reception and attentive, analytical listening. His demonstration of compositional techniques—sequencing, imitation, retrograde motion, and more—applied to a recurring five-note pattern, transforms a familiar piece into a revelation. Viewers are encouraged not just to hear, but to truly *listen*, uncovering the intricate architecture and deliberate choices woven into the fabric of the music. It's a valuable exercise for aspiring musicians and curious listeners alike, fostering a deeper connection with the art form.