OLLI Berkeley: Lafayette Library Campus Leonard Cohen: Tower of Song Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m. Jannie Dresser, MFA [email protected] April 3, 2018-May 8, 2018 Long before Leonard Cohen gained fame as a singer, he was a prize-winning poet and budding novelist. A Jew from a prominent Montreal family, Cohen became a peripatetic world traveler, discovered in Europe before finding fame in America. Cohen drew on diverse cultural references in songs of love, conflict, war and peace, and the vagaries of belief. In this course, we will: - Listen to and enjoy the music of one of the most inventive creative minds of the 20th century through the lens of some of the major influences that shaped him musically, poetically and spiritually. - Take a close look at three religious traditions (Judaism, Catholicism, and Buddhism) and how their imagery and insights permeate Cohen’s work and spirituality. - Explore how beauty and love ultimately framed Cohen’s life-path and shaped his art. - Apply the language of poetry and poetry technique to enhancing appreciation of Cohen’s songs. - Discover the impact Cohen had on other artists, and how he engaged with the arts community. Session 1 In My Secret Life: Transcending Biography through Art Session 2 If It Be Your Will: Leonard’s Judaism Session 3 Joan of Arc: Leonard’s Christianity Session 4 Heart the Shape of a Begging Bowl: Leonard’s Buddhism Session 5 I Came So Far for Beauty: Leonard’s Religion of Beauty and Love Session 6 Gift of a Golden Voice: Looking Back on a 50-Year Career; LC’s Lasting Legacy We will spend most of our time listening and discussing Leonard Cohen’s music. If students are interested, they may want to read Slyvie Simmons' biography: I'm Your Man: The Life of Leonard Cohen (published 2012). .