This volume contains a selection of essays in translation by the German philosopher and man of letters Ernst Bloch (1885-1977), on the philosophy of music. For Bloch - often simply assimilated to the Marxist tradition, but whose thought shows a strongly individual and idealist cast - music was a primary focus on reflection. His musical knowledge and expertise were of a very high order and he was well acquainted with many of the leading composers and theorists of music of his time in Germany: even divorced from his philosophy his criticism remains of value and significance. Throughout, whether discussing the complex and varied relations between text and music, or questions relating to the 'expressive' as opposed to the 'descriptive' functions of music, Bloch is intent on elucidating and placing musical experience.
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Editorial Reviews
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"This book is a virtual treasure house of political, musicological and cultural comment, subtle and acute critical judgements on the work of composers from Dufay to Schoenberg (with special attention to Bach, Beethoven and Wagner) and discussions of particular musical forms." Canadian Philosophical Reviews
"...this collection of essays is overflowing with interesting and engaging thoughts about music." Council Research in Music Education
"...this collection of essays is overflowing with interesting and engaging thoughts about music." Council Research in Music Education
Language Notes
Text: English, German (translation)
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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not the primary focus of Bloch's utopian edifice of thought,
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This review is from: Essays on the Philosophy of Music (Paperback)
The introduction by David Drew is worth the value of the book alone. Drew situates and places Bloch's work profoundly within the ideologic framework of this century,most of which Bloch had lived through. Bloch's writings on music are not as nearly as fascinating as his historical excursions into the realm of utopia and the various forms that manifestation has takened within the human spirit.Yes! Music admirably inhabits one of these contemplative realms and regions,music representing a place a realm to be attained,as well as a document of its time. Bloch believed all this, and it's curious a man who was present at the birth of modernity, of Expressionism in Germany,Surrealism the theatre of Leftist content of Brecht and Piscator,curious that Bloch never mentioned,nor formulated essays on the formidable acheivements of modern music. His writings stand fairly within the predictability of Germanic music, Mozart operas, Beethoven and Bruckner,a neglected creator of symphonic boulders of post-romanticism. Creators like Debussy,Ravel,Schoenberg,Bartok or Stravinsky are hardly mentioned throughout his long life. Well music was an addendum, a marginal pursuit to him. Bloch knew the primary musicians of his day the conductor Otto Klemperer always looked up wherever Bloch was living within his numerous exiles. If you've read "The Principle of Hope" then these essays are merely supplements to that magnum opus in three volumes.
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