A History of Western Philosophy of Music
A History of Western Philosophy of Music
This book presents a comprehensive, accessible survey of Western philosophy of music from Pythagoras to the present. Its narrative traces themes and schools through history, in a sequence of five chapters that survey the ancient, medieval, early modern, modern and contemporary periods. Its wide-ranging coverage includes medieval Islamic thinkers, Continental and analytic thinkers, and neglected female thinkers such as Vernon Lee (Violet Paget). All aspects of the philosophy of music are discussed, including music and the cosmos, music's value, music's relation to the other arts, the problem of opera, the origins of musical genius, music's emotional impact, the moral effects of music, the ontology of musical works, and the relevance of music's historical context. The volume will be valuable for students and scholars in philosophy and musicology, and all who are interested in the ways in which philosophers throughout history have thought about music.
- Presents the history of philosophy of music as a whole rather than as series of episodes
- Includes coverage of medieval Islamic thinkers, Continental and analytic thinkers and neglected female thinkers who have contributed to philosophy of music
- Arranged thematically (rather than by philosopher) and presents a narrative that traces themes and schools through history
Reviews & endorsements
‘This is a valuable book for those seeking a clear, well-sourced framing narrative that grounds current developments in the philosophy of music in a broad historical context. … Recommended.’ L. Bernhardt, Choice
‘James O. Young’s A History of Western Philosophy of Music is a comprehensive survey that embraces and interweaves a breathtaking amount of theoretical resources back to Boethius and before. Music philosophers and musicologists should run to get a copy. It is that useful and that good.’ Jennifer Judkins, The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism
Product details
March 2023Hardback
9781108497848
500 pages
235 × 158 × 27 mm
0.72kg
Available
Table of Contents
- 1. The Ancient World
- 2. The Middle Ages
- 3. The Early Modern Period:
- 1500–1800
- 4. The Modern Period:
- 1800–1950
- 5. The Contemporary Period.
