On Subjectivity and Objectivity in the Semiotic Inquiry of Music

Abstract

This article juxtaposes the subjective and the objective in the study of musical signification. It makes an attempt at a vicious core problem of notions that are general in their essence and prevalence. The interest is driven by general trends challenging the position of research in music, semiotics, and humanities. The problem persists, for instance, in Western art music (WAM), where the performer has the task of assessing the composer’s objectives and mediating them, but with a subjective interpretation, for the breadth of the audience to experience.