A Philosophical Approach to Musical Expression: Necessity or Possibility

A philosophical approach to musical expression as not necessary but desirable. Pure music as philosophical and instrumental (F. Schlegel). Philosophy and art fulfilling the same mission—to bring a person face to face with the mystery of transcendence (A. Šliogeris). The “secret” and “public” sides of philosophy described by A. Šliogeris: comparison with the inner form and text of music. The philosophical and everyday view of things; Plato’s allegory of the cave; paideia (A. Šliogeris). The concept of beauty as articulated by Aristotle (kalokagathia), St Augustine (unity, proportionality), I. Kant (purposiveness), J. Maritain (brilliance of form). The ability to apply philosophical ideas can deepen an understanding of the subject of music: the ability to hear the voice of the spirit of the being, that is, the creative work (M. Heiddeger), stimulates the possibility of expression. Knowledge works as a tool of power (A. Mickevičius; F. Nietzsche).