Musical Stimulacra: Literary Narrative and the Urge to Listen

Musical Stimulacra explores how fiction can generate musical experience and investigates the musical dimensions of three American novels. It builds its case on the assumption that fiction urges us to listen to musical words and worlds and negotiates common grounds for cognitive audionarratology and intermediality studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 162 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The title "Stimulacra" coined for this book encapsulates its fundamental ability to engage and stimulate our minds and senses through the art of literary narrative. It refers to the transformative power of words to create vivid simulations of various experiences, including music.

Musical Stimulacra takes a unique approach to the music in fiction by focusing on the reader's perspective. Rather than dwelling on the limitations of novels in capturing the full essence of music, it explores the musical potential inherent in literary narratives. By forging common ground between cognitive audionarratology and intermediality studies, the book builds its argument on the notion that fiction encourages us to engage with musical words and worlds in profound ways.

Within the pages of this book, readers are invited to embark on a journey of musical exploration as they delve into the theoretical foundations and practical applications of musical stimulacra. The author delves into the mechanisms by which fiction can generate musical experiences, elucidating the elements that constitute such experiences. Through a close analysis of three American novels, William T. Vollmann's "Europe Central" (2005), William H. Gass's "Middle C" (2013), and Richard Powers's "Orfeo" (2014), the book uncovers the musical dimensions hidden within these literary works.

Musical Stimulacra adopts a readerly approach, emphasizing the active participation of the reader in the musical experience. It encourages readers to engage with the text on a sensory level, allowing them to transpose the fictional narratives into mental simulations of music. By doing so, the book fosters a deeper understanding of the interplay between words and music, as well as the ways in which fiction can evoke emotional responses and create immersive worlds.

Through its innovative approach, Musical Stimulacra offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between literature, music, and the human mind. It challenges traditional notions of musical analysis and encourages readers to approach fiction as a source of musical inspiration and creativity. By exploring the musical dimensions of literature, the book expands our understanding of the expressive potential of words and opens up new avenues for interdisciplinary research and artistic exploration.

In conclusion, "Stimulacra" is a groundbreaking work that delves into the untapped musical potential of literary narrative. By focusing on the reader's perspective and encouraging active engagement, the book offers a fresh and exciting approach to the study of music in fiction. It provides valuable insights into the mechanisms by which fiction can generate musical experiences, and showcases the rich musical dimensions found within a selection of American novels. As a testament to the power of words and the creative possibilities they hold, Musical Stimulacra is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of literature, music, and the human mind.

Weight: 349g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367688196