what is absolute music? and how does it relate to the concept of silence?

Absolute music, also known as tone painting or program music, is a genre of classical music that aims to evoke specific images, scenes, or emotions without relying on lyrics or narrative descriptions. This form of music often uses musical elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and texture to create vivid sensory experiences. The term “absolute music” was coined by the German musicologist Eduard Hanslick in 1859 to differentiate it from program music, which explicitly conveys a story or scene through its composition.

In the context of absolute music, the relationship between sound and silence becomes particularly intriguing. While many forms of music incorporate silence within their structure, absolute music takes this concept to an extreme. It suggests that the essence of the music lies solely in the sounds themselves, devoid of any external reference points. This approach challenges traditional notions of music as a means of communication and invites listeners to engage with the piece on a purely auditory level.

Moreover, the idea of absolute music raises questions about the nature of art itself. If music can exist independently of visual or textual references, what makes art different from other forms of expression? How do we define beauty in absolute music when there are no concrete objects or events to draw upon? These inquiries push us to consider the fundamental aspects of creativity and perception.

One notable example of absolute music is Richard Strauss’s “Also sprach Zarathustra,” composed in 1896. This piece begins with a powerful and majestic opening movement that evokes the image of sunrise, followed by a series of contrasting sections that explore themes of philosophy and spirituality. Despite the absence of explicit programmatic content, the listener is guided through a rich tapestry of emotions and imagery through the manipulation of musical structures and dynamics.

Another perspective on absolute music comes from the philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, who argued that music represents the “will” or desire in a more universal sense than language. According to Schopenhauer, music transcends the limitations of individual experience and culture, allowing listeners to connect with a deeper, more fundamental aspect of human existence. In this view, the emotional and intellectual engagement with absolute music is not just about interpreting the composer’s intentions but rather about experiencing a universal truth that resonates across time and space.

However, not all musicians and critics agree with the notion of absolute music. Some argue that the very act of listening to music inherently involves some form of interpretation, whether conscious or subconscious. In this sense, even if the music itself is not tied to a specific program, the listener’s imagination plays a crucial role in shaping the experience. This perspective highlights the subjective nature of artistic appreciation and underscores the importance of individual interpretation in the realm of absolute music.

In conclusion, the concept of absolute music challenges our understanding of what constitutes music and its relationship to the world around us. By emphasizing the power of sound to convey emotion and meaning, it invites listeners to explore the depths of their own experience and imagination. Whether one embraces the idea of absolute music as a profound and transformative art form or views it as a more abstract and open-ended endeavor, it remains a vital component of the rich tapestry of human creativity and expression.