in the highest sense

[YAMATO2201]

Music, in the highest sense, stands less in need of novelty. The older it is and the more we are accustomed to it, the greater the effect it produces upon us.

(Source: an entrance examination to a Japanese university)

[Question 1] What does "in the highest sense" mean?

[Question 2] Is "is" implied after "greater"?

 

[YAMATO2201]

1) 'Music in the highest sense' = 'Music that has withstood the test of time.' This is confirmed by "the older it is and the more we are accustomed to it," -------.

Music, in the highest sense, stands less in need of novelty. The older it is and the more we are accustomed to it, the greater the effect it produces upon us.

If it were not for the second sentence, would the first sentence be open to interpretation?

 

[Raymott]

I don't know what you mean by that.

I believe he means, "Would 'Music, in the highest sense, stands less in need of novelty' be more open to interpretation if it were not followed by 'The older it is and the more we are accustomed to it, the greater the effect it produces upon us'."

I'd say yes. The second sentence adds meaning to the first.