Introduction to a Philosophy of Music

by Peter Kivy

Philosophy of music has flourished in the last thirty years, with great advances made in the understanding of the nature of music and its aesthetics. Peter Kivy has been at the center of this flourishing, and now offers his personal introduction to philosophy of music, a clear and lively explanation of how he sees the most important and interesting philosophical issues relating to music. Anyone interested in music will find this a stimulating introduction to some fascinating questions and ideas.

Genres: Music, Philosophy, Nonfiction

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Tom Klinge · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wil heel graag in de muziekfilosofie niche duiken maar dit was echt (op een handjevol punten na) weinig boeiend.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not a survey of current thought or works on the philosophy of music. Instead, it is an introduction Kivy's own approach to the philosophy and aesthetics of music. He takes on familiar topics such as whether or not music can represent anything, how it can embody or contain emotion, and what music signifies. Kivy largely adheres to formalism, with some qualifications based in how people really experience music. I found his arguments pretty convincing, although I do have some quibbles with a few of the minor points. Kivy's prose and the way he explains his thinking is always clear and easy to follow, even when he is explicating the more complicated concepts.

[Marjorie Jensen]

reread and quoted this when writing about Symphony of Secrets

[Derek · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a thought provoking introduction to Kivy's philosophy of music. I walked away with the conclusion that music is enjoyable because of the thought we put into it, and the further thoughts it invokes as we explore. Kivy really likes commas.

[Paulette Gerkovich · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't finish reading a book that gets Plato so WRONG. I just kept wondering what else he'd gotten wrong. So I put it down after 10-15 pages.

[Clive Buckingham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty heavy stuff, from the angle of a real philosopher. It follows one conceptual thread throughout, which can be a little wearing. Rewarding, but not an easy read.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

i guess i buy what he's saying. extremely readable, although i disagree with his history of music and philosophy that he paints