Musical Performance: A Philosophical Study

Description

In this work on the philosophy of music, Stan Godlovitch considers music from the vantage point of active music-making. Rather than looking at the composition or the perception of music, he considers playing traditions which have developed physical mastery to serve expressive ends. These traditions have been challenged by electronic technology which has made live, human performance seem a mere transfer medium. After developing a full model of traditional performance, Stan Godlovitch asks how well performance proper has stood up, and where (if anywhere) its unique value lies. This evaluation of music making in the past and future should be of interest to students of aesthetics, the philosophy of music, as well as musicologists and performance specialists.

..."a fine, thought-provoking book...will be read with profit by anyone interested in philosophical aesthetics, music, or the philosophy of technology."-"Philosophy in Review "An impressive piece of work which represents an original and imaginative contribution to aesthetics and the philosophy of music."-Alex Neill, University of St. Andrews "This is a notable book, a clear and persuasive synthesis of old and new perspectives on some vital matters."-"Choice, May 1999 "This is the best philosophical treatment of musical performance that I have seen."-Aaron Ridley, University of Southampton