Absolute Music, Mechanical Reproduction
Arved Ashby
Abstract
Recordings are now the primary way we hear classical music, especially the more abstract styles of “absolute” instrumental music. This book argues that recording technology has transformed our understanding of art music. Contesting the laments of nostalgic critics, the author sees recordings as socially progressive and instruments of a musical vernacular, but also finds that recording and absolute music actually involve similar notions of removing sound from context. He takes stock of technology's impact on classical music, addressing the questions at the heart of the issue. This study reveals ... More
Keywords: classical music, instrumental music, recording technology, art music, absolute music
Bibliographic Information
| Print publication date: 2010 | Print ISBN-13: 9780520264793 |
| Published to California Scholarship Online: May 2012 | DOI:10.1525/california/9780520264793.001.0001 |
