Musico-philosophical Writings

The most comprehensive and important text in this volume is certainly the 'Philosophical Treatise on Musical Situations' from 1930/31, which Anders was planning to submit as his 'Habilitation' (qualification to become a university professor). However, he never submitted it and the work remained unpublished – partly because Anders was still very much under the influence of his former teacher, Martin Heidegger. The book includes several essays on musical sociology written in the early '30s, at a time when Anders was corresponding with Hanns Eisler. His published essays include a piece on listening to impressionist music and on music and radio, the special field of interest of Theodor W. Adorno. The 'Parisian music letters' from the second half of the 20th century are included here as well. The writings have been edited according to the highest critical standards, making some of Anders' most important texts available for the first time. A postscript by the editor offers relevant background information.