Dr. Charles Burney (1726–1814), a renowned music historian, published his magnum opus, A General History of Music, in four expansive volumes from 1776 to 1789. In the third volume, which focused on contemporary music history, he included an “Essay on Music Criticism.” This essay aimed to articulate his critical framework and was targeted primarily at an audience of scholars, composers, and musicians.
Burney posited that musical tastes are inherently subjective, stating that “music is the art of pleasing by the succession of … sounds.” However, he noted that an individual’s background knowledge could significantly influence their listening experience, often determining whether they find it pleasurable or not. According to Burney, a piece of music becomes genuinely enjoyable only when it engages both the intellect and the senses. He believed that a deep understanding and knowledge of the music—ranging from the intricacies of its composition to its historical and aesthetic context—enhance the listening experience and enable more informed criticism.
Burney warned against uninformed critique, stating that ignorance could result in biased and imprecise evaluations. In such cases, individuals tend to favor what they already know and are quick to dismiss that which is unfamiliar or not easily understood. In essence, “Reason without principles” equates to uninformed reasoning, or debating issues without the requisite knowledge.
Though penned in the 18th century, Burney’s perspectives remain strikingly relevant today. The disconnect between the knowledge base of musicians and their audience continues to be a challenge, and his observations offer timeless insights that remain applicable. Unless musicians work to bridge this informational gap, the dynamics of music appreciation are unlikely to change in the foreseeable future.
