Kivy makes an invaluable contribution to the field of philosophy of literature and raises questions of a philosophical nature about the novel that will be of interest both to the professional philosopher and to the general reader.
The concept of genius intrigues us. Artistic geniuses have something other people don’t have. In some cases that something seems to be a remarkable kind of inspiration that permits the artist to exceed his own abilities. It is as if the artist is suddenly possessed, as if some outside force flows through him at the moment of creation. In other cases genius seems best explained as a natural gift. The artist is the possessor of an extra talent that enables the production of masterpiece after masterpiece. This book explores the concept of artistic genius and how it came to be symbolized by three great composers of the modern era: Handel, Mozart, and Beethoven. Peter Kivy, a leading thinker in musical aesthetics, delineates the two concepts of genius that were already well formed in the ancient world. Kivy then develops the argument that these concepts have alternately held sway in Western thought since the beginning of the eighteenth century. He explores why this pendulum swing from the concept of the possessor to the concept of the possessed has occurred and how the concepts were given philosophical reformulations as views toward Handel, Mozart, and Beethoven as geniuses changed in the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries.
Francis Hutcheson and Eighteenth-Century British Aesthetics
Focusing on the aesthetic theory of Francis Hutcheson, this definitive study explores his significant impact on British aesthetics during the eighteenth century. Peter Kivy's reissued work not only revisits the original concepts but also includes eight new essays that reflect his ongoing scholarship since 1976. This updated edition serves as a crucial resource for understanding early modern aesthetics and its evolution, making it a valuable addition for scholars and enthusiasts alike.
Exploring the intersection of music and philosophy, this collection features Peter Kivy's influential essays that delve into various topics such as the origins of music, the expressive medium of opera, and the significance of music in film. Kivy also examines the concept of an 'ideal' performance and debates the meaning of absolute music. Spanning his career, these writings provide profound insights into the cognitive and linguistic aspects of music, making a significant contribution to the understanding of its philosophical dimensions.
In his latest book on the aesthetics of music, Peter Kivy presents an argument not for authenticity but for authenticities of performance, including authenticities of intention, sound, practice, and the authenticity of personal interpretation in...
Focusing on the philosophy of music, Peter Kivy's collection showcases his recent writings, blending elegance with an informal tone. He delves into musicology, the essence of musical works, and the emotional impact of music, appealing to both philosophical and musical audiences. Many pieces are published for the first time, ensuring a fresh experience for both loyal fans and newcomers. This collection highlights Kivy's significant contributions to the field, making it an engaging read for anyone interested in the intersection of music and philosophy.
Spanning thirty years, this collection of essays by Peter Kivy explores a diverse range of topics within the philosophy of art and music. It offers readers an engaging and thought-provoking introduction to various issues, showcasing Kivy's insights and unique perspectives on the interplay between art and philosophical inquiry.
What makes a musical work profound? What is it about pure instrumental music that the listener finds attractive and rewarding? In addressing these questions, Peter Kivy continues his highly regarded exploration of the philosophy of musical aesthetics...
Philosophy of music has flourished in the last 30 years, with great advances made in the understanding of the nature of music and its aesthetics. Peter Kivy now offers his personal introduction to philosophy of music, a clear and lively explanation of how he sees the most important and interesting philosophical issues relating to music.
The book critically explores two contrasting approaches to understanding instrumental music, challenging the 'literary' interpretation that focuses on narrative and representational content. Instead, it advocates for musical formalism, emphasizing the intrinsic qualities of music itself. Throughout the discussion, various canonical works of absolute music are analyzed, providing insights into the complexities of musical interpretation and the philosophical underpinnings of music appreciation.