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Program music
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==Definition== Composers and some theorists argue that there is indeed no such thing as true "absolute (''[[ars gratia artis]]'') music" and that music always at least conveys or evokes emotions. While non-professional listeners often claim that music has meaning (to them), [[New musicology|"new" musicologist]]s, such as [[Susan McClary]],{{sfn|McClary|1999}}{{incomplete short citation|date=April 2021}} argue that so-called "abstract" techniques and structures are actually highly politically and socially charged, specifically, even gendered. This may be linked to a more general argument against abstraction, such as [[Mark Johnson (philosopher)|Mark Johnson]]'s argument that it is, "necessary...for abstract meaning...to have a bodily basis".{{sfn|McClary|1991|loc={{Page needed|date=May 2020}}}} However, a more specific definition of absolute music is: music which was composed without programmatic intent, or narrative. More traditional listeners often reject these views sharply, asserting that music can be meaningful, as well as deeply emotional, while being essentially about itself (notes, themes, keys, and so on), and without any connection to the political and societal conflicts of our own day, but consciously associated with non-musical ideas, images, or events (poems, art works, etc.)
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