Literature as Music: Books That Resonate Like Classical Pieces

Have you ever felt that a certain fictional book felt like you were listening to a classical piece?

Exploring the Connection

I have been reflecting on this experience and have come to realize that the connection between literature and classical music is much more profound than I initially thought. I reached for my shelves of cherished authors, hoping to find a parallel in the world of music, but to no avail.

Authors and Their Literary Symphony

Authors such as Bret Easton Ellis, James Branch Cabell, Heimito von Doderer, Fritz Herzmanowksy-Orlando, R.A. Lafferty, and Jorge Luis Borges are some of my favorites. Each of their works has a unique rhythm and melody that resonates deeply. However, when I attempted to match these books with music from composers like Bach, Leclair, Boccherini, Biber, and Tartini, the connection didn't materialize.

My musical journey ended with the death of Boccherini in 1805, and my literary canon-consisting of late 19th-century authors-started shortly thereafter. This realization brought to light a significant gap between my musical preferences and my literary tastes.

Gene Wolfe: A Mismatch on Par with a Master Composer

There are many books that resonate with the elegance and complexity of classical music, but one example comes to mind: the writings of Gene Wolfe. Each of his books is a unique piece, with The New Sun and the Long Sun series being symphonies in a long form. The intricate melodies and themes within each book are akin to the layered harmonies of a classical masterpiece.

The Voice of the Storyteller

For me, the best example of a book that feels like classical music is Dubliners by James Joyce. The storytelling in this collection of short stories has a lush and melodic voice that is reminiscent of a classical symphony. Other notable books in this category include:

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad Moby Dick by Herman Melville The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain Particular sections of Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

These books, with their rich and nuanced storytelling, create a sonic landscape much like a classical composition. While not all readers may agree with my list, it is clear that there are countless non-English books that share this same resonance with classical music.

A Final Thought

The connection between literature and classical music is a fascinating exploration that sheds light on the complex emotional and intellectual experiences that we as readers and listeners can share. It's a reminder that, just as a series of notes can evoke emotions and tell a story, so can a series of words.