In the film Amadeus, Mozart remarks that ‘his composition has the exact amount of notes’, hinting at some kind of Absolute. For contemporary composer Nimrod Borenstein, there is only one solution: the right number of notes at the right place, as if his music had always existed. Are there philosophical arguments that support such claims? We bring together a composer, a pianist, a piano, and a philosopher to explore this question.

With acclaimed performances of his music throughout Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia and Japan, Nimrod Borenstein has achieved a remarkable feat: establishing himself as one of the leading composers of his generation on the strength of a music that internationally leading instrumentalists and orchestras love to perform and that audiences love to hear. 

Adrian Moore is Professor of Philosophy, St Hugh’s College, University of Oxford.

With her combination of colourful Brazilian spirit and musicianship, London based pianist Clelia Iruzun is one of the most exciting musicians to emerge onto the international scene in recent years. Graduated at the Royal Academy of Music with the coveted Recital Diploma, Clelia performs throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia. Her 13 CDs, with a variety of repertoire ranging from Latin-American composers to the Mendelssohn concerts, have been praised by the critics and the public.

Catherine Audard is Visiting Fellow at LSE and Chair of the Forum.

Just economics and politics? Think again. While LSE does not teach arts or music, there is a vibrant cultural side to the School - from weekly free music concerts in the Shaw Library, and an LSE orchestra and choir with their own professional conductors, various film, art and photographic student societies, the annual LSE photo prize competition, the LSE Literary Festival and artist-in-residence projects. For more information please view the LSE Arts website. 

The Forum for European Philosophy (@ForumPhilosophy) is an educational charity that organises a full and varied programme of philosophy and interdisciplinary events in the UK. 

Twitter Hashtag for this event: #LSEFEP

Podcast

A podcast of this event is available to download from Music and the Absolute

Podcasts and videos of many LSE events can be found at the LSE Public Lectures and Events: podcasts and videos channel.