Absolute vs Referential Expressionism

For all of you die-hard music education philosophy fans out there, here’s a reminder of the debates that continue to circulate... yes, it’s been a long week!

Absolute Expressionist’s says:
It’s all about the music. I am an objective observer; I have nothing to do with the musical object. If the composer provides the musical object to interject unpredictable sounds in the music, I will let it cause emotion in me. All I do is permit my emotions to be activated by the music. Music has meaning; it comes from the music and the resultant sounds it creates. All I have to do is listen to hear the outcome of what the musical object produces. I don’t need to know a thing about the music’s context or be an educated music listener. So, let’s get on with the music. Let your music affect me, composer!”

A Referential Expressionist says...
Music has no value unless I say it does. The music is not about itself but it is about me and how I understand it to speak to me and those around me. I will shun music that is a copy cat. Music must be more than pleasure and beauty. It must reveal the divine nature and promote unity among his people. Yes, I demand many answers from the music. Is it simple? Are the musical lines clear and to the point? Can it be enjoyed by everyone? In my opinion, if there is art in the music, I will be able to tell you – actually, anyone should be able to perceive the artistic value in a piece of music. After all, it isn’t art unless I determine that it is art.