Musik und Metaphysik

At the dawn of the 21st century, the connection between music and metaphysics is taking on a new significance. Music is no longer merely perceived in the various ways it has been throughout history: as a symbol of the transcendent on the one hand, and as the “cry of distress of those who experience the fate of humanity in themselves” (Schönberg) on the other. What appears to be of new significance is that the distinction between these two aspects is disappearing within music. Thus, music can become a popular substitute for religion, but also a medium in which the “repressed aspects of philosophy” and a world that is only partially “disenchanted” are addressed.
The volume aims to explore the relationship between music and metaphysics within an interdisciplinary framework and to examine the changes that characterize this question today. A central focus is the exchange between composers discussing their own works and cultural and music scholars as well as philosophers.

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