The Sound and the Meaning: Another History of Music

By José Miguel Wisnik

A groundbreaking exploration of the relationship between sound and meaning in music

In this magisterial work, José Miguel Wisnik offers a new history of music that challenges traditional narratives and sheds new light on the ways in which sound and meaning are intertwined. Drawing on a wide range of sources, from ancient Greek philosophy to contemporary music theory, Wisnik argues that music is not simply a collection of sounds, but rather a complex system of communication that conveys meaning in a variety of ways.

A new way of listening to music

Wisnik's book is not only a scholarly tour de force, but also a passionate and personal exploration of the power of music. He writes with a deep love of music and a keen ear for its subtleties, and he invites readers to listen to music in a new way. By paying attention to the sounds themselves, as well as to the ways in which they are organized and interpreted, we can gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of music and its role in our lives.

A must-read for anyone interested in music

The Sound and the Meaning is a must-read for anyone interested in music, from scholars and musicians to casual listeners. It is a groundbreaking work that will change the way we think about music and its place in the world.

Praise for The Sound and the Meaning

"A brilliant and original work that challenges our traditional understanding of music. Wisnik offers a new way of listening to music that is both profound and deeply moving." — Philip Glass

"A magisterial work of scholarship that is also a passionate and personal exploration of the power of music. Wisnik writes with a deep love of music and a keen ear for its subtleties, and he invites readers to listen to music in a new way." — The New York Times

"A groundbreaking work that will change the way we think about music and its place in the world." — The Guardian

About the Author

José Miguel Wisnik is a Brazilian composer, musicologist, and writer. He is a professor of music at the University of São Paulo and the author of numerous books on music, including Sound Thinking and Music and Democracy. He has also composed music for film, theater, and dance, and has performed with a variety of ensembles, including the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra and the Kronos Quartet.