In this book, Ludovica Grassi explores the importance of music in psychoanalysis, arguing that music is a basic working tool for psyche, as words are composed of sound, rhythm and intonation more than lexical meaning. Starting from ethnomusicological, evolutionary, neurodevelopmental, psychological and psychoanalytical perspectives, the book explores music’s symbolic status, structure and way of operating compared to unconscious psychic functioning. Extraordinary similarities are revealed, especially in mechanisms such as repetition, imitation, variation (transformation), intimacy and the work of mourning, of the negative and of nostalgia.
Key Features
- Investigates the relationship between music and psychoanalysis.
- Explores music’s symbolic status and its role in unconscious psychic functioning.
- Discusses the significance of silence and absence in both music and psychic functioning.
- Examines time and temporality as vital elements in music and symbolization processes.
- Illuminates the connection between the voice and emotions, body, sexuality, and infancy.
- Offers insights for psychoanalytic work through its exploration of listening.
Additional Information
The Sound of the Unconscious explores the resulting advances in theory and clinical practice and will be of great interest to practicing and training psychoanalysts and psychotherapists.
