Boulez, Music and Philosophy

In this book, Campbell explores the relationships of music, philosophy and intellectual culture in the work of Pierre Boulez.

Tracing the changing musical, philosophical and intellectual currents of thought which inform Boulez's work, this study enhances understanding of post-war modernist music and Boulez's distinctive approach to composition. Campbell investigates encounters which link Boulez to the work of a number of important philosophers and thinkers, including Adorno, Lévi-Strauss, and Deleuze.While acknowledging that Pierre Boulez is not a philosopher, and that he is wary of the potential misuse of philosophy with regard to music, this study investigates a series of philosophically charged terms and concepts which he uses in discussion of his music. Campbell examines significant encounters which link Boulez to the work of a number of important philosophers and thinkers, including Adorno, Lévi-Strauss, Eco and Deleuze. Relating Boulez's music and ideas to broader currents of thought, the book illuminates a number of affinities linking music and philosophy, and also literature and visual art. These connections facilitate enhanced understanding of post-war modernist music and Boulez's distinctive approach to composition. Drawing on a wide range of previously unpublished documentary sources and providing musical analysis of a number of key scores, the book traces the changing musical, philosophical and intellectual currents which inform Boulez's work.