« Consider that it’s a Waltz… ». Reflexions on a theme of Wittgenstein

Abstract

Musical expression is analyzed by Wittgenstein in its intransitive meaning, in the
light of the practice and behaviour typical of a culture. In this perspective, the
execution of ambivalent musical situations assumes a particular interest. Sometimes
these make it possible to note changes of aspect similar to those which occur in the
vision of ambiguous figures. Taking into account the differences between the two
modes of perception, the analogy is tested by a series of examples of rhythmic and
phrasing interpretation, where the change of aspect (from introductory to conclusive,
from introductory motif to thematic set) depends on small modifications of tempo,
dynamic, rhythm or timbre introduced by the performer.