FILOZOFIJA MUZIKE IZMEĐU OSEĆANJA I FORME SUZAN LANGER O MUZICI U NOVOM KLJUČU

Abstract

This paper addresses Susanne Langer’s philosophical analysis of music. Langer’s approach to music will be examined in view of two main traditional alternatives for defining the essence of music – namely, form and feelings. Dilemma of music between feelings and form was posed by E. Hanslick, and Langer is redefining its meaning and purpose by accepting the linguistic turn and transforming the very idea of philosophy of music. For Langer, music is a non verbal symbol, allowing us to comprehend our feelings; however, there is no identity between music and feelings. Such position of Langer is to be understood as a consequence of the mentioned transformation of the idea of the philosophy of music. Through questioning of form and feeling as possible candidates for the essence of music, Langer is suggesting that they are to be considered and analyzed not as things themselves, but as concepts used in developing theoretical approaches to music. Resulting philosophy of music in Langer transcends Hanslick’s dilemma.