Absolute Music

Music without subject

Absolute Music is a kind of music without a subject, also called as "Abstract Music".

"Absolute Music" is often discussed in opposition to "Program Music". The latter (Program Music) contains an extramusical narrative, such as a story.

Absolute Music usually refers to works that are "played purely on instruments or ensembles", and are rarely included in the category of vocal music because the lyrics (or words) would obviously give (or limit) the work some kind of emotional expression.

Example of Absolute Music

Brahms Piano Quintet in Fm, 4th mvmt

Writer: Frankie Chan