This paper addresses the overwhelming importance which computer music
composers usually place on the structural elements of their music. It
deconstructs the belief that the meaning of music lies within its
structure. This represents only one half of the equation, while the
other half embodies the notion that music is ultimately intended to be
listened to by subjective human beings who will interpret the music in
different ways. The meaning is not located in the musical object
(the piece), nor is it exclusively in the mind of the perceiver (human), but
rather lies in the relationship between the two. Furthermore, this paper
proposes that there are no objective aspects of music at all. To support
this claim, the author uses the latest research from neuroscience, cognitive
psychology and neo-Darwinism. Analysing the pitfalls of the modernist world
view and the structure-based music that it has produced, the author proposes
postmodern methods for the survival of computer music. In order to do so
this paper relies on Richard Dawkins’ concept of cultural memes.