Goethe: Musical Poet, Musical Catalyst

An international conference was held at Queens University Belfast to discuss the influence of Goethe on music. Musicologists, composers, performers, and literary artists participated in the conference, which was a unique 36 hours of intellectual and artistic dialogue. The collaboration of Queens University Belfast colleagues was particularly welcome and appreciated, and distinguished international Goethians contributed much to the discussion. The conference explored the modernity of Goethe's writing and its direct message to a 21st-century man or woman, and featured a series of stimulating papers and concerts. The musical setting of Goethe's poems associated with Mignon and the Harper in Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre was particularly noteworthy, as it was the first performance of Goethe settings before an audience of distinguished scholars. The conference offered scholars and performers an opportunity to unravel the complexities of performance together and to bring to light aspects of learning and playing.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2022
Publisher: Peter Lang International Academic Publishers

Introduction:
The international conference on Goethe and Music, held at the National University of Ireland Maynooth in 2023, was a remarkable event that brought together musicologists, composers, performers, and literary artists from around the world. The conference was organized by Professor Gerard Gillen, Chair of Music at the National University of Ireland Maynooth, and Titular Organist of Dublin's Pro-Cathedral, with the support of Queens University Belfast. The conference aimed to explore the profound influence of Goethe on music and the arts, and to foster intellectual and artistic dialogue between participants.
Collaboration with Queens University Belfast:
One of the highlights of the conference was the collaboration with Queens University Belfast. The delegation from Queens University, led by Dr. Yo Tomita, Reader in Music, contributed greatly to the intellectual and artistic dialogue. Their presentations and performances showcased the rich musical heritage of Goethe and his influence on contemporary composers and performers. The collaboration between the two institutions was a testament to the strong ties between academia and the arts, and it paved the way for future collaborations and exchanges.
Unique 36 Hours of Intellectual and Artistic Dialogue:
The conference lasted for 36 hours, during which participants engaged in stimulating and thought-provoking discourse. The program included a series of keynote lectures, panel discussions, and workshops, covering a wide range of topics related to Goethe and music. The presentations were delivered by distinguished international Goethians, as well as by leading musicologists, composers, and performers. The discussions ranged from the historical context of Goethe's writings to their influence on contemporary music and the arts.
Highlights of the Conference:
One of the most memorable moments of the conference was the performance of Goethe's poems associated with the characters of Mignon and the Harper in Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre. Dr. Yo Tomita, in collaboration with the Irish Chamber Orchestra, undertook the musical setting of these poems for performance at the conference. The performance was a remarkable success, and it allowed the audience to experience the power and beauty of Goethe's words in a new and unique way.
Conclusion:
The international conference on Goethe and Music was a truly transformative experience for all participants. It provided a platform for scholars, artists, and enthusiasts to come together and explore the rich and complex relationship between Goethe and music. The collaboration with Queens University Belfast was a significant milestone in the development of this field, and it paved the way.

Weight: 592g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789971057
Edition number: New ed