""Music: Its Ideals and Methods"" is a seminal work on the philosophy and practice of music, written by William Smythe Babcock Mathews in 1897. The book explores the nature of music, its purpose, and its relationship to other art forms. Mathews delves into the history of music, from ancient times to his contemporary era, and examines the various musical traditions and styles that have emerged over the centuries.The author also provides insights into the technical aspects of music, such as harmony, melody, and rhythm, and discusses the role of the composer, performer, and listener in the creation and appreciation of music. Mathews also explores the social and cultural contexts of music, examining its place in society and its relationship to politics, religion, and other aspects of human life.Throughout the book, Mathews emphasizes the importance of music as a means of expressing human emotion and experience, and as a tool for personal and social transformation. He argues that music has the power to inspire and uplift individuals and communities, and to bring people together across cultural and linguistic divides.Overall, ""Music: Its Ideals and Methods"" is a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the nature and significance of music, and remains an important work for anyone interested in the philosophy and practice of this timeless art form.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.