This collection investigates the fundamental ontological, aesthetic, and expressive properties of music through the lens of analytic philosophy. Jerrold Levinson, a prominent philosopher of art, utilizes rigorous logical analysis to examine how listeners engage with musical works, the nature of musical performance, and the specific characteristics of jazz. The text builds upon his established framework in analytic aesthetics to address both classical and contemporary musical traditions.

Experts recognize this volume as a significant contribution to the field of analytic aesthetics, noting the clarity and precision of Levinson's arguments. Readers frequently highlight the academic density of the prose, which is intended for scholars and serious students of music philosophy.