Musik als ...

The title "Music as ..." should not confuse, but rather draw attention: there are innumerable books entitled "Music and ..." (language, society, religion – fancy knows no limits) and certainly no further such volumes are needed. Using the little word "as" instead of "and" points to the large range of viewpoints from which the phenomenon music, so difficult to define, can reasonably be seen. Under no circumstances should it inspire new definition attempts through still more labels; far more it should demonstrate the many perceptions that are possible merely by changing one's viewpoint. The authors are of different ages, represent a wide number of specialisations, and belong to various social groups, thereby addressing different interest groups. These differences were not smoothed out by the editors, but were left visible – even in the manner of referencing or the layout. The truly interested should not stumble over this nor let it limit their response.