Final answer:
Court music can express ideological themes through its musical elements such as instrument selection, harmonies, and composition structure, which enhance cultural or political contexts and influence listeners on an emotional and cultural level.
Step-by-step explanation:
Court music can transcend the mere lyrics to become ideological in various musical ways, displaying its power beyond linguistics. For example, the choice of instruments, harmonies, dynamics, and rhythms often reflects and enhances the cultural or political context in which the music was created. One such instance is the use of complexity and grandeur in court music to represent the power and sophistication of the ruling class. The full orchestration in pieces like Beethoven's Ninth Symphony or Strauss's Thus Spake Zarathustra demonstrates ideological themes of triumph and enlightenment, often associated with political or philosophical ideas. Furthermore, the use of modes and scales can convey cultural values implicitly, and the structure of a composition might imply a preferred order or societal hierarchy. Dance music in court settings, often improvised around familiar themes, can also subtly endorse social structures and norms. In this way, music is not only an auditory experience but also a cultural symbol, affecting listeners on an emotional level and reinforcing the societal ideals of the time.