Explaining It to Someone: Learning From the Arts

This is a companion work to “Waiting for Someone to Explain It; The Rise of Contempt and the Decline of Sense” (Lacunae Musing, 2019) which focused on the political and economic landscape at the beginning of the 21st century. While intensely involved with those issues, Robert Hagelstein was also writing about his cultural life, particularly the literature, music, and theatre of the same period. If he was seeking “answers” in his previous work from politicians or economists, perhaps better clues can be found in the works of some of our most creative artists. They are our greatest philosophers. Unlike most other works of literary or theatrical examination, this one is clearly idiosyncratic as it illuminates the unique thread of his own life and times. Hundreds of dramatic and literary works are reviewed, along with impressions of musical performances and composers, mostly focused on the genres of The Great American Songbook and Jazz. Yet, the work is as much memoir as it is critique. This book gives a unique view of our times, human nature, as well as a much needed respite from the dystopian world in which we find ourselves today.