### Step 1: English Response
Music is often considered an abstract art form, and this perception is rooted in its unique characteristics and the way it engages with human perception and cognition. To understand why music is seen as abstract, it's important to first define what we mean by "abstract." Abstraction in art generally refers to the practice of expressing ideas and emotions through non-representational means, without relying on a direct imitation of physical objects or scenes.
#### Non-Representational Nature
The first point to consider is that music is a non-representational art form. Unlike visual arts such as painting or sculpture, which can depict scenes, objects, or people, music does not represent the physical world directly. Instead, it communicates through sound, pitch, rhythm, and melody, which are not tied to any specific visual or tangible reality. This non-representational quality is a key aspect of music's abstract nature.
#### Emotional Expression
Secondly, music is a powerful medium for expressing emotions. It can evoke feelings that are complex and nuanced, often transcending the limitations of language. This emotional communication is abstract because it does not rely on a literal or concrete depiction of the feelings being conveyed. Instead, it uses patterns of sound to resonate with the listener's emotional experiences.
#### Symmetry and Repetition
Music also utilizes elements such as symmetry and repetition, which are abstract concepts in themselves. These elements create a sense of order and structure within a piece of music, yet they do not represent anything from the physical world. Instead, they serve to enhance the aesthetic experience and to provide a framework for the music's progression.
#### Intangible Qualities
Moreover, music represents intangible qualities. It can capture the essence of moods, ideas, and even philosophical concepts that are not easily expressed through other art forms. This ability to represent the intangible contributes to music's abstractness, as it deals with concepts that are not easily pinned down or visualized.
#### Comparison to Other Art Forms
When compared to other art forms, music stands out for its abstractness. While representational art in painting and sculpture can be quite literal, music does not have a physical subject matter to depict. Even programmatic music, which attempts to tell a story or depict a scene, relies on the listener's imagination and emotional response rather than a direct representation of events.
#### The Role of Imagination
The abstract nature of music places a significant role on the listener's imagination. Unlike visual art, where the image is presented to the viewer, music requires the listener to actively engage with the sounds and to interpret their meaning. This imaginative engagement is a key part of the abstract experience of music.
#### Cultural and Historical Context
It's also important to note that the perception of music as abstract is influenced by cultural and historical contexts. Different cultures may have different views on what constitutes abstract music, and the way music is understood can change over time. For example, what might be considered abstract in Western classical music might be quite representational in the context of a different musical tradition.
#### Conclusion
In conclusion, music is often regarded as an abstract art form due to its non-representational nature, its ability to express complex emotions, its use of abstract concepts like symmetry and repetition, and its representation of intangible qualities. While it shares some commonalities with other art forms, its unique mode of expression through sound sets it apart as a particularly abstract form of art.

### Step 2: Divider
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The secular forms of this music is often non-programmatic or --absolute music.-- In contrast to this, the paintings and sculpture of those times are often representational. ... Music seems more abstract than other art forms because it represents emotional states, symmetry and repetition, and other intangibles.Nov 2, 2011read more >>