Critical Theory and the Soundtrack

Abstract

Critical theory covers a wide range of interpretive methods, including under its rubric many of the most significant trends of recent scholarship. Chapter 7 considers general issues of critical theories and the soundtrack. The first part looks at the origins of critical theory in Marxism, the analysis of ideology, postcolonialism, and issues of labor. The largest portion of this section examines the theory of musical topics and subjects the concept of musical topic to ideological critique. The second part of the chapter contains a lengthy discussion of how debates over gender and sexuality have influenced thinking about the soundtrack.