Music as a symbolic process

This article summarizes analytical positions on symbolism and its relationship to artistic creativity, especially those of Jones and Jung. It goes on to give a brief account of the approach to music as the language of emotion, and some of the difficulties presented by this approach. Theories of origins in the developmental psychology of artistic creativity are surveyed and commented, based on works by Segal, Winnicott, and Gordon. Using illustrations drawn from the life and work of Mozart, these theories are applied to the case of this particular creative genius, and their relevance discussed.