The Meaning of Music

The Meaning of Music by Leo Samama – a writer, musician, critic, and music professor from the Netherlands – is a compelling exploration of the the meaning of music in our lives. Samama’s treatment is Postmodern with the author pointing out that we each have a different experience with music. Samama focuses mostly on classical music with some references to contemporaries. Most of the classics were conceived in Europe and much of the discussion is of the great works and composers of the past.

The book does not substitute for a definitive history of music, even though many of the most famous musicians are discussed. We get here an informed take on the classical music of the past. The work is certainly profound at times, but it is also demanding and does not tell a immediately obvious story. Samana has a lot interesting ideas to share here, but he might leave the reader grasping for a narrative. One can find some of these lessons and histories elsewhere. Instead, here is the thoughts of someone whose life was in music and it’s classics. The book will move you beyond brooding to want to explore classical music more, and reminds that the musical past of the future has not been written yet.