Enjoying Haydn
As I write this, I'm listening to Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 18 in G Major.
I know little about Haydn or classical music in general. I can sense the complexity. I feel the emotions it stirs. But I can't articulate what it is that this composer and these musicians do to move me.
Still, I can appreciate it.
Wine works in a similar way.
Expertise is one way to make sense of it. It implies words and explanations. It's a matter of the mind.
True enjoyment is beyond words. It’s something you feel, too complicated to explain. A matter of the heart.
Expertise and enjoyment can coexist.
Sommeliers can enjoy wine.
Trained musicians can indeed find joy in listening to music.
But expertise and enjoyment don't depend on each other.
Wine novices do enjoy wine all the time.
Haydn can move a musical amateur like me.
If we insist on conflating expertise and enjoyment we do ourselves a disservice.
Three common traps:
- Pretending to know about something you enjoy (status seeking).
- Refusing to share your knowledge about something you enjoy (imposter syndrome).
- Believing that understanding requires knowledge (intellectualizing)
The last thing I need right now is someone lecturing me about Haydn. I may ask for that lecture one day. But for now, all I need to know is that it's okay just to enjoy the music.
Enjoy your next glass of wine.
(With or without knowledge)