Musical Life Research Articles

O violão na imprensa carioca dos oitocentos

This article aims to reveal how newspaper archives can support musical history research by providing an important tool for developing and covering themes focused by Brazilian musicology. The presence of the classical guitar in Rio de Janeiro is highlighted beginning in the 1840s in the hands of foreign artists, who fostered the development of the city’s nineteenth-century musical life, a busy agenda of musical performances that allows us to become acquainted with the guitar’s repertoire, which was composed of original works and especially transcriptions of opera arias.

Education of church musicians in Krakow in the period from the end of the Second Vatican Council to the present day

The training of church musicians in Cracow in the period after the Second Vatican Council became one of the important tasks of the institutional Church associated with the post-conciliar renewal of the liturgy. In the 1970s, the training of church organists here took on a systematic and organised character. The activities of the Archdiocesan Organist’s College, as well as the Church Music Section at the Liturgical Institute, were constantly evolving. Over time, their tasks were taken over by the Archdiocesan Organist School (now the Archdiocesan Music School) and the Pontifical Academy of Theology in Krakow (now the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow). Since 1997, the Academy of Music in Cracow has also been educating church musicians. At present, Cracow and the Archdiocese of Cracow offer many opportunities of professional music education, which are eagerly used by organists, choir conductors, as well as people passionate about Gregorian chant, liturgical composition and the broadly understood animation of the musical life of churches. The immediate impulse for writing this article was the 25th anniversary of the Cardinal Franciszek Macharski Archdiocesan School of Music, celebrated in 2023, which is an ­important link in the series of educational institutions thanks to which the level of education of church musicians is constantly rising.

Johan Halvorsens engagemang i Helsingfors 1889–92 som katalysator för hans arbete som kompositör

The first part of the article examines the Norwegian composer Johan Halvorsen’s activities in Helsinki during the years 1889-92. The flourishing musical life of the Finnish capital, which actually inspired Halvorsen to begin composing, as well as Halvorsen’s musical agency, are examined from a variety of perspectives, both socio-cultural and biographical. The research is based on extensive historical archival material. The aim of the article is twofold: first, to map the musical and personal impulses that inspired Halvorsen’s emergence as a creative artist, and second, to highlight his contribution to Helsinki’s musical life during this period. The second part of the article presents Halvorsen’s String Quartet in E minor (1892). This is his most important work from this period in terms of its scope and the prestige of the genre. The public response to the work’s first performance was positive, but the composer himself was not satisfied: a few years later he destroyed most of the material, but transcribed the slow movement for orchestra. Since Halvorsen was a self-taught composer, it is natural to ask why: was the destruction of the work the result of a lack of quality, the composer’s excessive self-criticism, or simply the conviction that the work did not represent his stylistic idiom as a composer? These questions will be explored through a transcription of the surviving orchestral score, an analysis of musical structures such as form (macro and micro), melody and harmony in the one surviving movement, the contemporary reception of the work, and finally a comparison of the work with Halvorsen’s oeuvre as a whole.

Becoming singular: Musical identity construction and maintenance through the lens of identity process theory

This study uses identity process theory to understand the social–psychological processes that motivate individuals to construct an identity in which music, singing, and singing teaching feature prominently. We conducted reflexive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 10 Australian singing teachers (with an average age 60) to understand how they enacted identity principles that motivate identity construction and maintenance. Findings were captured in two themes: (1) ‘It has just been music’: Living a musical life is my destiny; (2) ‘I know my value’: Achieving goals in music and teaching is motivating. Participants’ consistent musical engagement across the lifespan satisfied the identity principles of continuity and positive distinctiveness. The identity principles of self-efficacy and self-esteem were satisfied through the social connections created with peers and through teaching singing; participants derived self-worth from celebrating and contributing to the success of others. Teaching singing was a way to become ‘singular’, that is, distinctive, and distinctively valued by the self and others. This article provides an example of how identity process theory can be applied in musical identities research to uncover new insights into the psychological processes of identity construction, with implications for understanding identity resilience and musical engagement across the lifespan.

"To All My Maka'āinana": Reggae, Food Sovereignty, and Indigenous Insistence in Hawai'i

Abstract: Throughout my research on reggae in Hawai'i, Kanaka Maoli foodways and food sovereignty unexpectedly emerged as an important theme in the lives of musicians and fans (around eight of my fifty-four interviewees), and I observed it in others I talked to during fieldwork. Although reggae is associated with resistance in a global context because it is Black music and mobilizes anticolonial and anticapitalist messages, it is not "Hawaiian enough" for many politically active Kānaka who are also interested in food sovereignty. The connection between reggae in Hawai'i and food sovereignty complicates the ways that academics typically relate resistance to Indigenous identity. Besides resistance, reggae in Hawai'i and food sovereignty go "naturally" together because they are quotidian culture for Kānaka Maoli. Insistence , rather than simply resistance , is a more accurate and potentially liberatory framework through which to understand the connection between reggae and food sovereignty in Hawai'i.

Notation publications in the context of musical life in Lithuania in the XVI-XVII centuries

Notation publications in the context of musical life in Lithuania in the XVI-XVII centuries

Music in Colonial Punjab by Radha Kapuria

'Music in Colonial Punjab' is one of the first social histories of musical life in undivided Punjab. It reveals the unrecognised power of female performers in shaping the music of the region, besides sheding light on the impact of colonialism on the cultural politics of performance in Punjab.

A Socioeconomic Approach to Studying Musical Instruments

ABSTRACT Considering musical instrument makers as socio-economic actors can inform narratives concerning not only the music business but also wider commercial activities. Makers use available materials, work alongside craftspeople in related trades, and operate in the same markets as suppliers of other cultural goods. Here we consider examples of organ builders (Ohrman & Nutt; Flight & Robson) and English guittar makers (Pinto; Clauss) to explore the musical, cultural, social and economic aspects of their commercial activities. These can be informatively positioned within the complex networks of British musical life in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Contemporary music in the strategies of R. Tureck’s creative activity

Statement of the problem. Rosalyn Tureck is a significant figure in the history of twentieth-century piano art, whose multifaceted activities had a significant impact on both performance and composing. Her achievements in actualizing Bach’s music cannot be over estimated. At the same time, it was R. Tureck who did much to popularize contemporary art. The pianist’s discography contains many opuses by composers of her time, including those dedicated to her. Objectives, methods, and novelty of the study. The purpose of the study is to outline the directions of R. Tureck’s creative activity as a vivid example of the consistent and successful implementation of an actualizing performance strategy. The study is based on traditional methods of musicology (historical, genre-stylistic, systemic) as well as the method of interpretive analysis. In the research process, we used works that can be divided into 3 groups: R. Tureck’s autobiography; books on the work of American composers and those who contributed to the development of the country’s musical culture (D. Kämper, E. Z. Posell, J. W. Polisi, W. Simmons, S. Swayne, V. J. Kimberling), as well as W. J. Ton’s thesis; and comments to the CD “Premiere Performances”. The performance and structural analysis of the works on R. Tureck’s CD “Première Performances” (Two Studies for Violin and Piano by L. Dallapiccola, Concerto for Piano and Small Orchestra by W. Schuman, and Sonata No. 1 for Piano by D. Diamond), is the first such attempt in Ukrainian musicology. Results. At the time of R. Tureck’s active performing career, musical life was saturated with interesting ideas, discoveries, and new names. However, the avant-garde searches of American composers often remained unheeded by performers. In this regard, the creative activity of R. Tureck, who in 1948 created a society to popularize contemporary music, is exceptional. Her album “Première Performances” with works by contemporary composers was released in 1995. It contains recordings of premiere performances of opuses by D. Diamond, L. Dallapiccola and W. Schuman, the analysis of which is presented in the article. Conclusions. The popularization of contemporary music was an integral part of R. Tureck’s creative activity, due to which many American composers of the twentieth century got a chance to be “heard”. The basic strategies of this vector of her activity are determined: - mandatory performance of new works; - rethinking of contemporary music through previous historical periods; - direct cooperation with artists.

Navigating Identities: The Musical Lives of Four Second-Generation Immigrant Children

Navigating Identities: The Musical Lives of Four Second-Generation Immigrant Children

Aristotelian versus Platonic and Machiavellian interpretations of phronesis: A critical reflection on leadership and management education

AbstractGiven the high incidence of corporate scandals, we are faced with reconsidering management theory, principles and education. The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, we seek to show that it is necessary and possible to analyse current managerial and directive action in the light of Aristotle's ethical thought, specifically concerning phronesis (practical wisdom). The second aim is to highlight that the Platonic interpretation of phronesis as a matter of contemplative life contributes to an inadequate leadership style and ethical apathy. Furthermore, we claim that the Machiavellian interpretation of phronesis contributes to leadership based on manipulation and exclusion of morality in management. The third and final objective is to respond to these two interpretations by reviewing Aristotle's exceptional teachings on the relevance of phronesis as a special kind of wisdom in which good judgment, discernment and an adequate understanding of events for decision‐making converge. An essential claim of this paper is that Aristotle and his notion of phronesis, rather than Plato's or Machiavelli's, ought to inform contemporary debates in management scholarship and education. Aristotle's philosophical insights into practice, wisdom and more comprehensive ethics are highly relevant for public discourse in our contemporary societal context, especially for management education. Integrating phronesis into management and leadership education involves using case studies and experiential learning to teach practical wisdom and sound judgment.

Music therapy during weaning from mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit: Study protocol for a randomised control trial

ABSTRACT Introduction People admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) who require mechanical ventilation (MV) must complete the weaning process as soon as possible to reduce associated risk factors. Previous research suggests that music therapy may be beneficial for improving breathing capacity and relaxation, but studies related to weaning are limited. This article presents a music therapy protocol for a randomised controlled trial (RCT). Method ICU patients aged 18–80 who meet the clinical criteria for initiating weaning are eligible for this RCT with two parallel groups. Participants (n = 100) are randomly assigned to a control group (receiving standard treatment during weaning) and an intervention group (receiving daily music therapy intervention combined with standard treatment). The outcome measures are (1) duration of weaning in hours, (2) dosage of sedatives and analgesia, (3) agitation, (4) delirium, (5) perception of pain, and (6) perceived stress at 90 days follow-up. During music therapy, (7) blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygenation level are only measured in the intervention group. The flexible music therapy protocol addresses patient needs from a humanistic biopsychosocial perspective. It includes an assessment of individual music preferences (adapted from the Musical Life Story Questionnaire) and methods such as entrainment, clinical instrumental improvisation, songwriting, and receptive music therapy to reinforce breathing capacity and promote relaxation, stimulation, communication, and emotional regulation. Discussion The findings of this study may offer relevant implications for healthcare delivery and the application of music therapy during weaning in the ICU.

The Pursuit of Musick: Musical Life in Original Writings & Art, c. 1200–1770 by Andrew Parrott (review)

The Pursuit of Musick: Musical Life in Original Writings & Art, c. 1200–1770 by Andrew Parrott (review)

Memories of Musical Lives: Music and Dance in Personal Collections from Australia and New Zealand ed. by Rosemary Richards and Julja Szuster (review)

Memories of Musical Lives: Music and Dance in Personal Collections from Australia and New Zealand ed. by Rosemary Richards and Julja Szuster (review)

The Development of Slovenian Music from the Remoteness to the Contemportary

The author discusses the whole historical development of Slovenian music from its beginnings in the 6th century (immediately after the settling of the Slovenians) to the current era. He also discusses important historical events connected with the development of music life in Slovenia. Important stylistic development trends are mentioned and for the modern era, the article serves as a checklist for the most important new and upcoming composers.

Easily Slip into Another World: A Life in Music by Henry Threadgill and Brent Hayes Edwards (review)

Easily Slip into Another World: A Life in Music by Henry Threadgill and Brent Hayes Edwards (review)

Mapping the wax and wane of a ‘creative capital’: A personal reflection on 20 years of researching music making in Wellington, Aotearoa/New Zealand

This paper offers an overview of nearly 20 years of researching music making in Wellington, Aotearoa/New Zealand. This is a critical commentary that engages with the musical life of the city as it has waxed and waned over that period of time. In reflecting on this, the discussion will engage with the ways in which the ‘creative capital’ of New Zealand has put into various policies that have, over time, cemented its status as a neoliberal, entrepreneurial city, while also noting the ways in which music makers have found ways to work within and without these policy frameworks.

Особенности культурной интеграции китайских студентов музыкантов-исполнителей в российскую образовательную среду

The article is devoted to the consideration of socio-cultural factors that influence the process of integration and specifics of the formation of the professional identity of Chinese students - performing musicians in the system of Russian music education. The formation of a professional music system in China is marked by the beginning of the 20th century. This time is associated with the formation of musical performance, which becomes possible under the influence of European musical traditions of concert activity. The opening and functioning of higher musical institutions in China – the Shanghai State Conservatory (1927) and the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing (1949) – contribute to the development of professional music education. The important period in the development of professional music in China is the emigration of Russian musicians, whose work had a significant impact on musical life in China in the first half of the 20th century. At the same time, today there is a growing interest in Russian music education among Chinese students, which is growing in the context of strengthening Russian-Chinese cooperation. The article analyzes the empirical data of the qualitative interview with Chinese students (N = 20) of Saratov State Conservatory named after L. V. Sobinov. On the basis of the analyzed empirical data the demand for Russian music education among Chinese students and their high value of assessment of the musical traditions of the Russian national music and performing school, which is undoubtedly attractive in choosing a country for education were confirmed. At the same time, the factors influencing the successful cultural integration of Chinese students into the educational environment are considered.

Happiness and the Biopolitics of Knowledge: From the Contemplative Lifestyle to the Economy of Well-Being and Back Again

Abstract The article explores the relationship between two different approaches to happiness and knowledge, that is, the contemplative model and the economistic and instrumental model. Whereas the former equates happiness with the contemplative life, the latter separates happiness from knowledge and subordinates both to what present-day policy-makers call “the economy of well-being.” While biopolitical modernity seems to have rendered the contemplative model obsolete and purposeless, the article suggests reviving the contemplative lifestyle, by putting forward three arguments. First, it contends that we should challenge the economistic and instrumental model, by reaffirming the principle that knowledge and happiness are primarily intrinsic values and ends in themselves. Second, the two models do not necessarily exclude each other and we should strive to combine them. Third, the envisaged integration of the two models requires that we revise them significantly. The elitist and metaphysical character of the traditional contemplative model must be abandoned as it is no longer palatable to modernity. Also, the primacy of economic and instrumental rationality that defines the modern biopolitics of knowledge must be questioned.

Curricular Conundrum: The Jesuit Ratio studiorum and Mary Ward’s Attempts to Balance Latin, Prayer, and Lace

Abstract The 1599 Jesuit Ratio Studiorum effectively organized its educational mission. Catholic Englishwoman Mary Ward (1585–1645) adapted the Ratio as she sought to build a new order for women based on the Jesuit rule and open Catholic schools for girls across Europe. Despite remarkable success, she faced increasing opposition from Jesuits and other leaders. Scholars have explored objections raised against her schools; however, little research addresses objections to teaching girls Latin. In this article, I argue that Ward’s attempts to teach Latin ran into subtle cultural complications because of gendered expectations regarding the language’s uses and abuses, conflicts over time devoted to prayer, and parental and societal expectations regarding young women’s acquisition of handwork skills. Exploring these complications helps illuminate not only Ward’s adaptation of the Jesuit approach to teaching but also nuances in her own spirituality, especially regarding the relationship between active and contemplative lives.