The Philosophy of Music: Theme and Variations

by Aaron Ridley

New and distinctive approaches to five central topics in musical aesthetics are provided in this outstanding book. The topics understanding, representation, expression, performance and profundity. The theme of the book is the failure of the orthodox view - that pieces of music are more or less self-contained structures of sound - to account for some important features of our musical experience, and to explain why music should matter to us.In exposing and correcting that failure, the book introduces readers to the main problems and positions in the philosophy of music, proposes fresh solutions to those problems, and offers innovative approaches to the philosophy of song, to musical ontology, and to questions about the value of music. Each chapter is built around a single musical work, which provides a focus for the reader. Features* Broad, accessible introductory overview to philosophy of music* Original and stimulating insights

Genres: Philosophy, Music

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Mayakronfeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned more from his philosophical STYLE than from the content of his arguments. There are some wonderful moments.
But it should really be called "The Philosophy of Classical Music," and I think he knows it.