Sketch of a New Esthetic of Music

rhythm to signify measured strides, the chorale as vehicle for religious feeling. Add to the above the characterization of nationalities--national instruments and airs--and we have a complete inventory of the arsenal of program-music. Movement and repose, minor and major, high and low, in their customary significance, round out the list.--These are auxiliaries, of which good use can be made upon a broad canvas, but which, taken by themselves, are no more to be called music than wax figures may pass for monuments.

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And, after all, what can the presentation of a little happening upon this earth, the report concerning an annoying neighbor--no matter whether in the next room or in an adjoining quarter of the globe--have in common with that music which pervades the universe?

To music, indeed, it is given to set in vibration our human moods: Dread (Leporello), oppression of soul, invigoration, lassitude (Beethoven's last Quartets), decision (Wotan), hesitation, despondenc