Music and Ideas of North

Music has been a significant means of expressing and shaping northern identities, but it has received limited attention in discussions of north-south relations. This collection explores the musical experiences and expressions of northernness across various regions, cultures, and communities, drawing on northern English, Scottish, Canadian, Scandinavian, and Finnish identities and north-south dynamics in a European context. It aims to uncover connections and contradictions in the musical experience and expression of northernness.

Format: Hardback
Length: 295 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Northern identities in various regions, cultures, and communities, particularly when contrasted with the South, have garnered significant attention from cultural historians, literary scholars, and commentators, with several of them featured in this collection. However, despite its prominent role in discussions of north-south relations, the role of music in shaping and conveying notions of northernness has not been extensively explored. The north is characterized by its rugged yet fragile nature, communal yet solitary existence, conservative yet radical outlook, and real and imagined spaces that have inspired diverse musical responses. One of the most enigmatic responses comes from pianist Glenn Gould in his radio documentary The Idea of North (CBC, 1967), where he reflects on his limited personal experience of the North while acknowledging its enduring fascination and allure. This collection represents the first comprehensive exploration of music and the concept of the north, drawing on northern English, Scottish, Canadian, Scandinavian, and Finnish identities, as well as north-south dynamics in a European context, to uncover connections and contradictions in the musical experience and expression of northernness across the globe.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781409422914