Understanding Music: Philosophy and Interpretation [Hardcover]

Roger Scruton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 30, 2009 | ISBN-10: 1847065066 | ISBN-13: 978-1847065063

Roger Scruton first addressed this topic in his celebrated book The Aesthetics of Music (OUP) and in this new book he applies the theory to the practice and examines a number of composers and musical forms. His continued fascination with Wagner provides much interesting content but he also deals near-death blows to his favorite targets like Pierre Boulez and Hoagy Carmichael. His legal encounter with The Pet Shop Boys is well documented (they sued him for libel in 1999) and the book closes with a devastating chapter on pop music, containing more controversial views that readers will relish. Many will be delighted; others enraged. However, underlying this book there is a consistent argument and passion for tonality and rhythm.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The prolific philosopher turns his attention back to music, exploring the fundamental elements that make a great piece. Ranging from Wagner to Hoagy Carmichael and even a final chapter on 'the disaster of pop', this is trademark, provocotive Scruton." - Bookseller, 20 May 2009.

'As a welcome addition to Roger Scruton's continuing canon of fascinating works on the nature and meaning of music, this short, dense book amply supports his genuine and lifelong belief that aesthetic contemplation offers the key to proper understanding of motivation and meaning, not just in ourselves, but in everything around us.' - Literary Review

BBC Music Choice - 5/5 stars
'Illuminating ... touching ... much to inspire. Anyone who is capable of being deeply moved by music should read it.' - BBC Music Magazine

'Roger Scruton presents a depth of knowledge and understanding that could make listening to a symphony all the more meaningful ... worthwhile for those who would like a deeper relationship with classical music.' - Good Book Guide

4/5 stars
'Aesthetic arguments are well summarised, disagreements presented very largely without querulousness; [Scruton] ... avoids shrill dogmatism. And while he makes substantial reference to music theory, he does so without the cack-handedness of many non-specialist music students.' - Classical Music

BBC Music Choice - 5/5 stars
'Illuminating ... touching ... much to inspire.  Anyone who is capable of being deeply moved by music should read it.' - BBC Music Magazine

About the Author

Professor Roger Scruton is Resident Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, Washington and Senior Research Fellow at Blackfriars Hall, Oxford. His other books include Sexual Desire, The West and the Rest, England: An Elegy, News from Somewhere and Gentle Regrets (all published by Continuum).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Continuum (August 30, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1847065066
• ISBN-13: 978-1847065063
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #144,688 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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