What is absolute music?

Absolute music is instrumental music that is composed without a specific intended meaning or narrative. Instead, the focus is on the structure, form, and emotional expression of the music itself. This type of music is not programmatic, meaning it does not depict a specific story, scene, or idea.

Absolute music became popular in the Classical and Romantic periods of music history, with composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Franz Schubert creating some of the most famous examples of the genre. This type of music allows for greater freedom of expression and interpretation, as the listener is not bound by preconceived notions of what the music is supposed to represent.

Some examples of absolute music include symphonies, sonatas, and concertos. These compositions are typically divided into movements, each with its own distinct mood and structure. Absolute music is often appreciated for its beauty and emotional depth, as well as for the technical skill and creativity of the composers who create it.