On the surface, the poem creates a serene atmosphere as soft voices fade into the night, followed by musical sounds that seem to emerge from the depths of nature. Shelley mentions the "touches of its tenderest mood" and "strains of seraph hymns" that capture an enchanting, mystical moment.
Figuratively, the poem evokes a sense of transition from the mundane to the ethereal. As soft voices, representing ordinary conversations, fade away, the speaker's attention is drawn to the world of music and song. This can symbolize the transformation of everyday experiences into artistic and spiritual realms, where sounds become almost divine and transcend human limits.
Symbolically, the poem carries deeper metaphysical themes. The speaker contemplates the power of music to transport the soul beyond physical boundaries. Music is described as an entity that resides within the soul, akin to Plato's notion of the eternal forms that exist beyond the realm of physical perception.
Spiritually, the poem suggests that through music, one can access higher realms of consciousness and connect with the divine source of creation. Shelley hints at the immortality and universality of music, which can outlive human existence and encompass the universe.
Overall, "Music When Soft Voices Die" presents a complex exploration of the relationship between earthly experiences, music, and the soul's journey towards transcendence and connection with the divine.