Listening to Iris Murdoch: Music, Sounds, and Silences

This book explores Iris Murdoch's relationship with art forms, particularly the visual arts, and emphasizes the importance of music and other sounds in her novels. It suggests that soundscapes contribute to the atmosphere and moral tenor of her work and offers a new sub-field of Murdoch studies. The study is supported by close readings of selected novels and a survey of musical settings of her words by various composers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 241 pages
Publication date: 16 June 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

When we consider Iris Murdoch's relationship with artistic forms, the visual arts immediately come to mind. However, music and other sounds are equally significant. Soundscapes, which encompass music and various other types of sound, play a vital role in creating the intricate and morally rich atmosphere of Murdoch's novels. This book aims to guide readers in re-appreciating the sensual nature of Murdoch's prose and to actively listen for all kinds of music, sounds, and silences within her novels. By doing so, we can explore a new sub-field in Murdoch studies, aligning with the emerging field of Word and Music Studies.

This study is fortified by in-depth analyses of selected novels that showcase the diverse ways in which Murdoch employs music, sounds, and silence in her writing. It also delves into Murdoch's musical knowledge and her references to music throughout her work, encompassing a comprehensive survey of musical interpretations of her words by various composers.

Through this exploration, readers will gain a deeper understanding of Murdoch's artistic vision and the profound impact that music and sound have on her literary creations. By engaging with the musical settings of her words, we can further enrich our appreciation of her prose and uncover new dimensions of her literary genius.

Weight: 467g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031008597
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022