Philosophy of Song and Singing

In Philosophy of Song and Singing: An Introduction, Jeanette Bicknell explores key aesthetic, ethical, and other philosophical questions that have not yet been thoroughly researched by philosophers, musicologists, or scientists. Issues addressed include:

• The relationship between the meaning of a song’s words and its music

• The performer’s role and the ensuing gender complications, social ontology, and personal identity

• The performer’s ethical obligations to audiences, composers, lyricists, and those for whom the material holds particular significance

• The metaphysical status of isolated solo performances compared to the continuous singing of opera or the interrupted singing of stage and screen musicals

Each chapter focuses on one major musical example and includes several shorter discussions of other selections. All have been chosen for their illustrative power and their accessibility for any interested reader and are readily available.