Water Music [Hardcover]

Marjorie Ryerson (Author), Paul Winter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 22, 2003

A photography book with a social conscience, Water Music affirms the intimate connection of water to the rhythms of our lives-and how it is something to be celebrated, revered, and preserved for today and for future generations. Water Music is first a tribute to the inspiration and magic of water. For photographer Marjorie Ryerson, a fascination with water grew from the challenge of capturing on film the astonishing breadth of ways in which water presents itself-the way, for instance, that Lake Superior at sunset turns from deep blue to gold, copper, blazing red, dusty pink, pewter, and, finally, shimmering black. To accompany the dazzling photographs, Ryerson recruited some of the most important names in music. These world-class artists, from twenty-two countries on five continents, and from across the musical spectrum, have contributed memoirs, stories, poetry, music, and lyrics for Water Music, reinforcing the beauty of the images and the powerful message they convey. For rhythmist Mickey Hart, the feel and sound of rain resulted in a kind of epiphany for him that has influenced his music ever since. Flutist Mary Youngblood explains that her life as a musician has been inextricably linked with having been born under the water sign of Cancer. Violinist Pamela Frank explores the many similarities between water and music, finding both essential for survival. Together, Ryerson's photos and the words and music of these renowned musicians remind us why we must heed the message in Paul Winter's introduction-in spite of our reverence and awe, we have placed this most essential element in peril. And so, we too are called upon to remind ourselves of the preciousness of water, before the damage becomes too severe to be undone. Water Music has thus become a piece of a much larger picture: the Water Music Project. Ryerson began the larger project not only to celebrate the beauty of water and its connection to music and to our lives, but also to increase awareness about water issues through concerts, lectures, events, and educational outreach. She is donating her net royalties from sales of the book to the Water Music Fund, established at her request at the United Nations Foundation. The UNF will use the fund to aid water in the natural environment and to provide clean drinking water for families around the world. Marjorie Ryerson is a teacher, journalist, photographer, and poet whose photographs have appeared in such publications as The Boston Globe, Country Living, Vermont Life, Yankee and the photography books The Vermont Experience and Vermont for Every Season. She is professor of communication at Castleton State College, where she teaches journalism and photography. Ryerson lives in Randolph, Vermont.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

The net royalties from the sale of this book will be donated to the Water Music Fund at the United Nations Foundation.

About the Author

Marjorie Ryerson is a teacher, journalist, photographer, and poet. She is Professor of Communication at Castleton State College, where she teaches journalism and photography. Ryerson lives in Randolph, Vermont.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: University of Michigan Press (August 22, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0472113380
• ISBN-13: 978-0472113385
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 11.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,600,513 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Musician Who Loves This Book, November 28, 2003

By 

Dan Denerstein (New City, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Water Music (Hardcover)

The stunning photography that is the heart of this work reminds us of the inspiring Oneness of Earth, Water and Music. That Ms. Ryerson had the vision to recognize Music as the spiritual and artistic extension of this natural unity is a gift to the reader and viewer of this remarkable book. Sixty-six world-renowned musicians, including Kenny Loggins, Randy Newman, Garrick Ohlsson, Dave Brubeck and Taj Mahal, contribute text that draws a direct line between the Muse and the constancy, beauty and timelessness of Water. In his profound essay/poem, jazz pianist Marcus Roberts beautifully captures the framework of the book: "I respect the water. Because it's been here forever-feeding nature, quenching thirst, healing the land, nurturing the flowers. And it will be here long after we are gone, demanding and receiving respect. Singing the sweet song of eternal life..." Ms. Ryerson displays an uncommon organizational and aesthetic genius, not to mention a singular commitment to the cause of sustainable water sources, contributing the royalties for this project to the United Nations Foundation. But it is her photography that is the soul of this work. Witness the misty mirror image landscape on page 151, opposite the story by cellist Tilla Henkins. I rest my case.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dalai Lama review, September 15, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Water Music (Hardcover)

The review below was taken from www.watermusicproject.com, which also contains several other reviews of this incredible new book.

"The natural environment sustains the life of all beings in the world. However, nearly everywhere these days, it is undergoing extensive degeneration. Therefore, it is more important than ever that we all make whatever effort we can to ensure the conservation and protection of the planet, its air, its land and its water.

"Our inner environment determines our attitude towards the earth's natural environment, our relationship with it, and our impact on it. The beautiful photographs and inspiring words in this book, Water Music, will remind readers of the crucial importance of water in all our lives. Only when enough people cultivate an inner environment that respects all forms of life, reflects a sincere concern for justice and equality, a genuine compassion for all beings, and projects all of this onto the outer environment, will the world's water and other natural resources be safe for the future.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A stunning and unique coffee-table volume, September 15, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Water Music (Hardcover)

Water Music is a gorgeous, full-color visual showcase and celebration of water, the substance on Earth that gives life. Marjorie Ryerson's truly splendid color photography combines wonderfully with insightful poetry, thoughtful vignettes, and music from sixty-six diverse and talented musicians from around the world. Simply put, Water Music is a stunning and unique coffee-table volume which justifiably deserves inclusion into the personal, professional, academic, and community library Photography and Music Appreciation collections.