Love and Death in Classical Music‐Methodological Problems in Analyzing Human Meaning in Music*

Abstract

It has been clear since the work of Weber that the relationship between social structure and musical syntax is an important potential area of sociological investigation. Little work has been done in this area, however, probably because of methodological problems. Discussions of methodological problems in analyzing meanings in music converge in music theory and sociology on the issue of objectivity. Recent comparisons of musical syntax with language and the work of Heinrich Schenker in music theory provide the basis for an interdisciplinary methodology for analyzing typified collective meanings communicated through musical syntax. It is suggested that, on the basis of this methodology, these collective meanings could be analyzed “objectively.” Two examples of this approach are provided through typified collective musical expressions of love and death.

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