Music and the Sonorous Sublime in European Culture, 1680-1880

The relationship between music, sound, and the sublime is explored in this volume, distinguishing between aesthetics of production, representation, and effect and demonstrating music's strength in playing out the sublime as transfer, transport, and transmission of power. It also suggests two avenues for further research: a wider spectrum of sounds heard as sublime and a more multifaceted idea of music as a cultural practice that shares boundaries with other sounding phenomena.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 321 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The elusive and captivating experience of the sublime, characterized by its overwhelming magnitude, power, or boundaries, has been intertwined with music throughout history. From the early-modern fascination with the Longinian sublime to its pervasive influence on European culture in the later nineteenth century and beyond, music has served as a vessel for expressing and exploring this profound concept. In this comprehensive volume, the authors embark on a historically situated exploration of the intricate relationship between music, sound, and the sublime. Through their insightful analysis, they distinguish between the diverse aesthetics of production, representation, and effect, recognizing how these approaches often reinforce one another. The authors demonstrate the remarkable capacity of music to convey the sublime as the transfer, transport, and transmission of power, intricately intertwined with the persistent theme of destruction, death, and endings.

The volume opens up two promising avenues for further research suggested by the adjective "sonorous." Firstly, it broadens the spectrum of sounds that are perceived as sublime, expanding the boundaries of what is considered to be musically sublime. This expansion invites scholars and enthusiasts from various fields, beyond musicology, to engage with the concept of the sublime through the lens of other sounding phenomena. Secondly, the volume presents a more multifaceted understanding of music as a cultural practice that shares boundaries with other sounding practices. It encourages a reevaluation of music as a multi-sensory experience that encompasses auditory, visual, and spatial dimensions, fostering a deeper appreciation of its role in shaping human experiences and cultural expressions.

In conclusion, this volume offers a profound and multifaceted exploration of the relationship between music, sound, and the sublime. Through its historically situated approach, it sheds light on the diverse aesthetics, themes, and implications of this concept, expanding our understanding of music's role in shaping human experiences and cultural expressions. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, musicians, and enthusiasts alike, inviting them to delve deeper into the complexities of the sublime and its enduring impact on artistic and cultural endeavors.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 170 x 243 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108708043