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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Play it Again summary
Alan Rusbridger
Brief summary
Play it Again by Alan Rusbridger is a captivating memoir that chronicles the author's journey to master Chopin's Ballade No. 1 in G minor on the piano. It is a story of passion, perseverance, and the power of music.
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Play it Again
Summary of key ideas
Challenging Yet Rewarding Journey
In Play it Again by Alan Rusbridger, we embark on the author's journey of learning to play Chopin's Ballade No. 1 in G minor, a complex and demanding piece, within a year. At the time, Rusbridger, the editor of the Guardian, is dealing with a multitude of challenges at work, including the WikiLeaks scandal and the News of the World phone-hacking case. Amidst this chaos, he finds solace in his piano, which he affectionately calls 'Old Bertie'.
As Rusbridger immerses himself in the world of piano, he shares with us the fascinating history behind the creation of the Ballade, delving into the life of its composer, Frédéric Chopin. He also provides insight into the technical and emotional challenges involved in playing this piece, drawing parallels between his experiences at the piano and his role at the Guardian, where he must navigate complex political and ethical landscapes.
Balance and Dedication
Throughout Play it Again, Rusbridger grapples with the demands of his day job and his commitment to mastering the Ballade. He learns to carve out a dedicated period each day for practice, often in the early hours of the morning, and discovers the power of focused, deliberate practice. His journey underscores the importance of balance and the ability to switch between intense focus and relaxation, a skill that proves vital in both his piano practice and professional life.
As the year progresses, Rusbridger's dedication to his piano practice becomes a source of strength, enabling him to navigate the tumultuous events at the Guardian with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose. He also finds that the discipline and patience required for mastering a difficult piece of music are valuable life skills, helping him to approach his work and personal life with greater resilience and determination.
Unexpected Lessons
As Rusbridger nears the end of his self-imposed deadline, he reflects on the unexpected lessons he has learned during his musical journey. He realizes that the pursuit of excellence is not only about achieving a specific goal, but also about the process itself, the joy of learning, and the personal growth that comes from overcoming challenges.
Ultimately, Play it Again is a story of resilience, passion, and the transformative power of music. Rusbridger's journey to master the Ballade No. 1 in G minor serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of pursuing our passions, even in the face of adversity, and the profound impact that they can have on our lives. He ends his story with a performance of the Ballade, a testament to the enduring power of dedication and the ability to achieve the seemingly impossible.
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What is Play it Again about?
Play it Again by Alan Rusbridger is a captivating memoir that chronicles the author's journey to master Chopin's Ballade No. 1 in G minor on the piano. Faced with the demands of his high-pressure job as the editor of a major newspaper, Rusbridger sets out to achieve a seemingly impossible goal. Through his dedication to practice and his encounters with renowned musicians, he delves into the transformative power of music and the pursuit of excellence.
Play it Again Review
Play it Again (2013) by Alan Rusbridger gives an inside look at the challenges of mastering the piano amidst a demanding job as editor of The Guardian. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Explores the intersection of music and daily life, offering a unique perspective on balancing passion with professional responsibilities.
- Shows the evolution of skills through diligent practice, illustrating the journey from novice to adept musician.
- With humor and insight, it captivates readers by demonstrating the power of perseverance and the joy of artistic pursuit.
Who should read Play it Again?
Music enthusiasts looking for a personal journey intertwined with classical music
Readers interested in the intersection of creativity and professional life
Those seeking inspiration to pursue a new passion or hobby later in life
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Book summaries like Play it Again
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Play it Again FAQs
What is the main message of Play it Again?
The main message of Play it Again revolves around the power of music as a source of inspiration and creativity.
How long does it take to read Play it Again?
Reading Play it Again takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just minutes.
Is Play it Again a good book? Is it worth reading?
Play it Again is worth reading for its insightful exploration of music's influence on creativity.
Who is the author of Play it Again?
The author of Play it Again is Alan Rusbridger.
What to read after Play it Again?
If you're wondering what to read next after Play it Again, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susann Jeffers
- Making It All Work by David Allen
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
- The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
- Mindset by Carol Dweck
- Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
- Switch by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
- The Da Vinci Curse by Leonardo Lospennato
- The Defining Decade by Meg Jay
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau