Unveiling the Essence- Deciphering the Best Definition of Absolute Music
Which of the following best describes absolute music?
Absolute music, also known as pure music, is a genre of music that is composed without any reference to external texts or images, aiming to convey emotions, ideas, or moods purely through sound. This concept stands in contrast to program music, which aims to tell a story or depict a scene. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, history, and significance of absolute music, and discuss how it has influenced the development of Western classical music.
The term “absolute music” was first introduced by the German composer and music theorist Eduard Hanslick in the 19th century. According to Hanslick, absolute music is “music that is intended to express emotions, ideas, or moods without the use of any program or narrative.” This definition highlights the core principle of absolute music, which is to create a musical experience that is independent of any external context.
One of the most significant characteristics of absolute music is its abstract nature. Unlike program music, which often has a clear narrative or descriptive element, absolute music relies on the listener’s imagination to fill in the gaps. This allows for a wide range of interpretations and emotional responses, making absolute music a deeply personal experience for each listener.
Several prominent composers have contributed to the development of absolute music. Among them are Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. However, it was the late Romantic composers, such as Richard Wagner, Johannes Brahms, and Claude Debussy, who truly embraced the concept of absolute music and expanded its boundaries.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the idea of absolute music became even more prominent with the rise of atonal music and the avant-garde movement. Composers like Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, and Anton Webern pushed the boundaries of tonality and structure, creating works that were even more abstract and challenging for listeners.
The significance of absolute music lies in its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and ideas without the need for external references. This has allowed it to transcend cultural and temporal boundaries, making it a universal language that resonates with listeners across the globe. Moreover, absolute music has influenced the development of other musical genres, such as jazz and rock, by encouraging composers to focus on the intrinsic qualities of sound rather than external narratives.
In conclusion, absolute music is best described as a genre that aims to convey emotions, ideas, or moods purely through sound, without any reference to external texts or images. Its abstract nature and the contributions of numerous composers have made it a significant and influential part of Western classical music history.
