Why music — even sad music — is 'inherently joyful'

Candide, written by Voltaire, is a satirical novel that critiques metaphysical optimism, particularly the philosophy of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. The story revolves around Candide, a naive and optimistic young man who is expelled from his home after an illicit affair with the baron's daughter, Cunégonde. Candide and his companions, including his tutor Pangloss, experience a series of horrific events such as wars, earthquakes, slavery, and other atrocities. Despite these hardships, Pangloss persists in his belief that 'all is for the best in this best of all possible worlds.' The novel ultimately concludes with Candide and his friends settling on a farm in Turkey, where they find happiness by focusing on practical, everyday tasks rather than philosophical speculations. Voltaire uses satire to lampoon various aspects of 18th-century society, including science, philosophy, religion, and government[2][3][5].

Boethius's 'De Musica' is a significant work in the history of music theory, bridging ancient Greek thought with medieval scholarship. It explores the mathematical ratios underlying musical harmony and connects these ratios to broader philosophical concepts of order and proportion in the universe. The book examines the effects of music on the human soul and body, drawing on ancient sources and offering a comprehensive overview of musical theory and practice. 'De Musica' served as a crucial text for centuries, shaping musical understanding and influencing the development of music theory in the Middle Ages and beyond. Its influence on Western music theory is undeniable.