Final answer:
A composition without an associated programmatic theme is referred to as absolute music. It is comparable to abstract art, focusing on the aesthetic experience over narrative elements.
Step-by-step explanation:
A composition that is based on creative expression through form but not associated with a programmatic theme is referred to as absolute music. In contrast to program music, which is intended to evoke a narrative or depict something extramusical, absolute music stands alone with its structure and aesthetic quality. It focuses on artistic impact and is free from representational qualities, much like abstract art, which uses form, color, and line to exist independently from visual references in the world.
The answer to the question is therefore (a) Absolute music. This type of music values the pure aesthetic experience over storytelling or pictorial representation, aligning closely with the concept of non-representational or pure abstraction in visual arts.