Many music lovers, critics and professional performers believe that music can provide deep insight into the interior of human life. However, the customary ways in which we describe musical experiences in philosophical and musicological discourse are analytical and formal. My own view is that pure, instrumental music is intended to resonate with the inner life of an interpreter (performer, critic, and listener). I call my view ‘moderate aesthetic personalism’. It comes to the defense of the perso…
Read moreMany music lovers, critics and professional performers believe that music can provide deep insight into the interior of human life. However, the customary ways in which we describe musical experiences in philosophical and musicological discourse are analytical and formal. My own view is that pure, instrumental music is intended to resonate with the inner life of an interpreter (performer, critic, and listener). I call my view ‘moderate aesthetic personalism’. It comes to the defense of the personhood of the performer, but it does not ignore his role of a messenger between the composer and the audience.
