Absolutely on Music: Conversations with Seiji Ozawa

2016 | Music & Dance

An intimate conversation about music and creativity, between the internationally bestselling writer and a world-class conductor. 'My only purpose in this book was for me, as a music lover, to have a discussion of music with the musician Seiji Ozawa that was as open and honest as possible. I simply wanted to bring out the ways that each of us (though on vastly different levels) is dedicated to music.' Haruki Murakami's passion for music runs deep. Before turning his hand to writing, he ran a jazz club in Tokyo, and the aesthetic and emotional power of music permeates every one of his much-loved books. Now, in Absolutely on Music, Murakami fulfills a personal dream, sitting down with his friend, acclaimed conductor Seiji Ozawa, to talk about their shared interest. Transcribed from lengthy conversations about the nature of music and writing, here they discuss everything from Brahms to Beethoven, from Leonard Bernstein to Glenn Gould, from record collecting to pop-up orchestras, and much more. Ultimately this book gives readers an unprecedented glimpse into the minds of two maestros.





Below you'll find a selection of music that Haruki Murakami and Seiji Ozawa listen to and discuss throughout Absolutely On Music. Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of every composition in the book, but rather a sampling of the pieces mentioned. We hope that it will give you a taste of the breadth and range of their musical conversations; and perhaps inspire you to listen to more of the music that they talk about in the book.


Should you choose to seek out a track or performance that is not included here, we invite you to share it with us, and the rest of Haruki’s fans, on his Facebook page.

Haruki Murakami (Author)

Jay Rubin (Author)

Seiji Ozawa (Author)