Musical signification

More about the book

This book explores various theoretical and empirical approaches to music through a collection of essays. It begins with discussions on compositional theory, musical semiotics, and the philosophical underpinnings of musical interpretation. Notable contributions include reflections on the relationship between music and semantics, as well as the application of Hjelmslev’s glossematics to music. The text delves into the concept of musical works as signs, examining their significative constituents and structural layers. Empirical studies presented in the book investigate the meaning and behavior patterns in music interpretation and listening, alongside the genesis of musical signs. The evolution of art in relation to brain asymmetry is also explored, alongside a semio-psychological theory of communication in music. The impact of sensory experiences on musical performance and the significance of tempo deviations are analyzed, contributing to a deeper understanding of musical signification. The latter sections focus on analyses of musical styles and texts, addressing metaphor in music, performative acts, and narrative strategies in compositions. The book also examines the interplay between orchestration and form in specific works and the semiotic dimensions of various musical expressions. Overall, it provides a comprehensive examination of music through diverse theoretical lenses and empirical investigations.