Published: 2021-03-06

The Ancient Sources of Musical Aesthetics

Jacek Bramorski
Gdańsk Studies
Section: Artykuły
https://doi.org/10.26142/stgd-2020-013

Abstract

Starting with Pythagoras, through Plato and Aristotle, the ancient theory of the musical aesthetics stressed the particular meaning beauty of music in the ethical perspective both in the personal as well as in the social dimension. Music fulfilled the essential function in educating the youth according to the ideal of kalokagatia. This way it exemplified the indispensable element of ancient paideia, constituting the moral character of a human being and enabling him the contemplation of beauty. The ancient vision of the musical aesthetics  became close to the Christian presentation of this issue. The concept of musical ethos, characteristic of the ancient philosophy influenced shaping the theory of music influenced not only the theory of music in the centuries that followed but the development of the entire European culture as well. The ancient philosophers' thought did not lose its timeliness. It shows us that we cannot limit the work of upbringing to the practical and technical aspect only, since passing over the higher abilities of the soul, one will not achieve the proper aim of education, which is the moral goodness and integrity of a man.

Keywords:

musical aesthetics, musical ethos, paideia, beauty of music

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Citation rules

Bramorski, J. (2021). The Ancient Sources of Musical Aesthetics. Gdańsk Studies, 46, 221–234. https://doi.org/10.26142/stgd-2020-013

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