Martin, F. David.  “The Power of Music and Whitehead's Theory of Perception.”  The Journal of Aesthetics and  Art Criticism 25 (Spring 1967): 313-322.

Abstract

Pure music possesses power that evokes an intensity of experience that few other arts rival.  An explanation based on Whitehead's theory of perception analysis is developed.  Also, following Leonard B Meyer, a basic distinction is made between

Designative and embodied meanings.  Designative meaning occurs when the symbol and referent are different in kind.  Embodied meaning occurs when the symbol and referent are the same in kind, as when a tone makes us anticipate a following tone.  Music is the only major art that presents its percepta successively without designative meaning, without reference to time and place.  Thus music's peculiar power. [Abstract from The Philosopher’s Index]