Meaning: The quote by Brian Ferneyhough, a renowned composer known for his complex and challenging compositions, delves into the notion of autonomy within individual artistic works. Ferneyhough's statement suggests that while he is not advocating for complete independence or self-sufficiency of an individual work of art, there is value in exploring the idea of viewing it through the lens of autonomy as part of the reception process.

Ferneyhough's emphasis on "the de facto autonomy of the individual work" reflects a nuanced understanding of how a piece of art exists and interacts within the broader context of artistic creation and reception. Autonomy, in this context, pertains to the independence and self-governance of a work of art, implying that it has its own distinct identity and agency. However, Ferneyhough's use of "de facto" suggests a recognition of the complex web of influences and interconnections that shape the creation and interpretation of art, indicating that complete autonomy may not be feasible or desirable.

The notion of autonomy in art has been a subject of philosophical and aesthetic inquiry for centuries. From the Romantic period's exaltation of the individual artist's creative genius to modernist and postmodernist reevaluations of authorship and originality, the concept of autonomy has been deeply intertwined with questions of artistic value, interpretation, and meaning. Ferneyhough's perspective adds a layer of complexity by acknowledging the tension between the individual work's potential autonomy and its embeddedness within broader cultural, historical, and interpretive frameworks.

In considering the "reception process" as a key aspect of the relationship between autonomy and artistic works, Ferneyhough highlights the role of the audience or interpreter in shaping the meaning and significance of a piece of art. The reception process encompasses not only how a work is initially perceived and understood but also how it continues to resonate and evolve over time. By framing autonomy as "one facet of the reception process," Ferneyhough suggests that exploring the idea of autonomy can enrich the ways in which a work is engaged with and interpreted by audiences.

Ferneyhough's approach to autonomy in individual artistic works aligns with broader discussions in aesthetics and art theory, where the tension between the singularity of an artwork and its interconnectedness with cultural, social, and historical contexts has been a recurring theme. The idea of "making the attempt to see it in that light" reflects a deliberate and active engagement with the complexities of autonomy, encouraging a nuanced and critical approach to understanding the place of individual works within the larger tapestry of artistic expression and reception.

Overall, Brian Ferneyhough's quote invites us to contemplate the intricate dynamics of autonomy, reception, and interpretation in the realm of artistic creation. By acknowledging the multifaceted nature of artistic autonomy and its relationship to the reception process, Ferneyhough prompts us to consider the ways in which individual works of art both assert their own distinctiveness and are inextricably intertwined with the broader currents of artistic discourse and cultural meaning-making.