BOOK REVIEW Philosopher hits all the right notes
MUSIC AS AN ART by Roger Scruton Bloomsbury Continuum, Sydney Hardcover: 272 pages Price: AUD$50 Reviewed by David James Writing about music is often an unrewarding task. It is an art form that leaves the philosopher or critic either confined to talking about technicalities, or in generalities that are too abstract to say much about any composer, or genre. The results are often empty, or say little. It is thus refreshing to read Roger Scruton’s Music as an Art, a brilliant display of philosophical analysis, critical insight, cultural reflection, close, attentive listening and extensive erudition. For anyone who wants to…