There are many books that contain reviews of music, specifically albums. Album reviews are often accompanied by stories about the musicians. I purchased this book expecting the author's writing skills, which focus primarily on classical music. This is because I am anticipating the prowess shown in their previous work, *Journey to the Roman Empire*. However, the very person reading this book—So Yi-yeon—is the one who takes out the albums again to listen to them.

A book I would like to recommend to those unfamiliar with classical music. While classical music often feels difficult and off-putting, this book is written for just such people. As an essay, it blends the author's personal experiences to make the subject accessible. Although the author owns 3,000 records and has listened to classical music for 30 years, they approach the subject with humility, sincerely hoping that readers will enter the world of classical music and experience its beauty and

This is a book that perfectly sells classical music. What image comes to mind when you think of classical music? Men in suits with bow ties and women in dresses—formal attire that already makes you feel suffocated. The tension of not being allowed to cough, feeling self-conscious about fidgeting for a long time, and not knowing when to offer praise are added bonuses. Come to think of it, isn't that the kind of nervousness one feels when experiencing something for the first time? Don't you

I envied those who were close to classical music, those who enjoyed listening to it and could feel something within it. To me, classical music had always felt infinitely distant and difficult. The title itself tells us this: "It’s Okay Even If It’s Not Beethoven." It implies that it is perfectly fine even if one does not know much about music. Carrying the worries of whether I could actually open this book and understand it, I cautiously opened it. Why was I so nervous? I am someone who has

Regardless of the era, isn't a classic precisely what functions as a mirror reflecting the world and touches the human heart amidst ceaseless change? Until the invention of time machines, enjoying classics that have survived for hundreds or thousands of years and remain by our side is the best way to time travel. In reality, while it sounds easy, reading and listening to classics is not. Consider this, especially when listening to classical music. At first, the sweet melodies calm the mind, but

It served as a reliable supporter in helping me overcome my aversion to classical music.:) I regretted not being able to enjoy it for so long because I had thought of it as too difficult. Grateful that I was able to take a step closer now, I take to heart the author's words that it is okay to enjoy classical music just as it is, even if it is not Beethoven.

The title feels familiar, as if seen in the trendy "healing essays" of today. It is okay not to be extraordinary, okay not to be immersed, and okay not to know enough about music to play it yourself. Like a healing essay, it is enjoyable to read lightly. Since the articles, which were originally serialized one by one about classical music, have been grouped into four categories—hope, passion, love, and friendship—you can simply look for and read them by category. Alternatively, you can look up

As with all criticism, I believe music criticism, in particular, is a field that requires a great deal of depth to be truly persuasive. This is because music is accessible to everyone, and everyone possesses their own unique taste. Criticizing music without lyrics is likely even more difficult, as each listener will project their own imagination onto the flow of the melody. In this regard, Choi Jeong-dong’s *It’s Okay Even If It’s Not Beethoven* seems like a book with "deep depth." First of

I was puzzled by the title alone, wondering what it meant, but it meant that even if it isn't traditional classical music, anything you can feel with your heart is considered classical. The author's warm heart and heartwarming writing style allow you to appreciate the music alongside the text, making it a smooth read that made me lose track of time. At times, the photos in the book made me wonder if they didn't quite fit, but upon reading the text, I realized they were indeed meticulously