Performance and the silent work: mediation and critical reflexion in Adorno's theory of musical reproduction.

Paddison, Max

Abstract

This article examines the concept of silence in Adorno’s writings on musical performance, and in particular in his unfinished project Zu einer Theorie der musikalischen Reproduktion. The relation between reflexion, mediation and reification in music is explored conceptually, taking as the central point of reference Adorno’s notion of silence as muteness (Stummheit). This is employed as a limiting concept (Grenzbegriff) in its various manifestations as the ‘silent work’, ‘silent reading’, ‘silent music-making’, and ultimately music ‘falling silent’ as critique. It is argued that the silent reading of the score functions as the extreme case which serves to reveal the gesture of muteness underlying the performed musical work, and which constitutes its riddle-character.

Citation

Paddison, M. (2006). Performance and the silent work: mediation and critical reflexion in Adorno's theory of musical reproduction. Filigrane, La société dans l’écriture musicale(3), 173-198

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2006-05
• Journal: Filigrane
• Print ISSN: 1773-9128
• Electronic ISSN: 2261-7922
• Publisher: Delatour France
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: La société dans l’écriture musicale
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 173-198
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1588779
• Publisher URL: http://revues.mshparisnord.org/filigrane/index.php?id=147