Music - The Speech of Angels

About the Book

Music – The Speech of Angels explores the fascinating variety of Western music through the thoughts of composers, philosophers, and psychologists. The history of thought about music, from classical times to the present, unfolds in these pages. Taking its title from the comment by Thomas Carlyle that “music is the speech of angels,” this book explores how we are moved by music. The author considers the ancient claim that the musical symbol is rooted in transcendence and that the material explanations of physics and psychology offer us only a partial view of the scope and power of music. Music listeners will find here a history of reflections on music from antiquity to the Renaissance and a discussion of ideas on music from rationalist, religious, and empirical perspectives. Topics covered include music and inspiration, formalism, the creative process, musical knowledge and emotion.

About the Author

Bob McParland is a teacher, composer/lyricist, and performer. He currently teaches literature at Felician College in New Jersey and has taught music at several schools.