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Understanding Music

Philosophy and Interpretation
By Sir Roger Scruton
Series: Bloomsbury Revelations
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Understanding Music by Sir Roger Scruton is a rigorous exploration of the philosophy and aesthetics of music. The book is divided into two parts: the first tackles the theory and significance of music as an expression of moral and emotional life, while the second offers critical essays on composers and works including Mozart, Wagner, Beethoven's Ninth, JanÑček, Schoenberg, Szymanowski, and Adorno. This collection deepens the reader's appreciation of music's complexity and meaning.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for specialists in philosophy and musicology, as well as music lovers interested in uncovering profound meanings behind musical works. It suits readers with a genuine appreciation for classical music and those seeking intellectual engagement with musical aesthetics.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

With Understanding Music and The Aesthetics of Music (1997), Roger Scruton set a new standard of rigour and seriousness in the philosophy of music. This collection of wide-ranging essays covers all aspects of the theory and practice of music, showing the significance of music as an expression of the moral life.

The book is split into two parts. The first is devoted to the aesthetics and theory of music, and the second consists of critical studies of individual composers, thinkers, and works. It includes essays on Mozart, Wagner, Beethoven's Ninth, JanÑček & Schoenberg, Szymanowski, and Adorno.

Understanding Music will appeal to specialists in philosophy and musicology, and also to music lovers who wish to find deeper meaning in this mysterious art. The Bloomsbury Revelations edition includes a new preface from the author.

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Critics praise the book for its depth and clarity. The Bookseller highlights its provocative insights spanning from Wagner to pop music. Literary Review commends Scruton’s belief in aesthetic contemplation as central to understanding motivation and meaning. BBC Music Magazine and Good Book Guide both recommend it for those seeking a deeper connection with classical music. The writing is noted for avoiding dogmatism and presenting well-balanced aesthetic arguments.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781474270175

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 25 February 2016

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 136.0mm

Height: 214.0mm

Weight: 320g

Pages: 256

Collections

Arts & Culture Non-Fiction Series: Bloomsbury Revelations Sir Roger Scruton

About the Author

Sir Roger Scruton (1944-2020) is widely seen as one of the greatest conservative thinkers of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries and a polymath who wrote a wide array of fiction, non-fiction and reviews. He was the author of over fifty books, and visiting Professor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford and Senior Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, Washington DC, USA.

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