Topos of the virtuoso work performance didactics

On behalf of the Chair of Theory of Music of the I. J. Paderewski Academy of Music in Poznań, I would like to invite you to participate in the 19th International Conference in the series Musica practica, musica theoretica: Topos of the virtuoso – work, performance, didactics, which will be held on April 4-5, 2023 at the Presidential Hall of the Academy.

The main focus of the Poznań conferences has always been the issue of a music work and the various types of relations between theory and compositional practice. This time, the invitation is addressed to a broad academic circle: music theorists, composers, performers, and pedagogues. The intention of the organizers is to present the phenomenon of virtuosity from three perspectives: (a) compositional category, (b) performance practice, and (c) the idea of teaching methods.

a. Within the first area, this is particularly interesting to consider historical realizations of the idea of virtuosity – both in instrumental and vocal music. What were the historical contexts and implications of its emergence, that is, for instance, how it affected the expressiveness and structure of a music piece. What came first: virtuosity as a compositional or performative idea? Or was it the technical development of instruments, techniques or cultural conditions that was crucial?

b. Virtuosity and performance practice – a field for reflection on individual interpretative concepts of artists-performers, including, for instance, on methods of achieving balance between artistic expression and technical bravura. Virtuosity as seen through the eyes of practitioners is also an opportunity for reflection and observation on the contemporary role virtuosity as revealed, for example, during music competitions and festivals and auditions for orchestras and opera ensembles.

c. The emergence of the idea of virtuosity has undoubtedly affected didactics. What was its place in teaching methodology once, and what is it today? How does the contemporary method of teaching an instrument (or singing) accounts for the increased competitiveness of music market and the need for spectacular musical performance? What should be done to avoid “producing virtuosos”? The presentation of the paper including music examples should not take more than 20 minutes. The languages of the conference is Polish and English however papers read in Polish should be accompanied by a presentation in English or a translated paper, delivered to the organizers by March 15, 2023.

For the participants of the conference we offer meals and humble honorarium (plus the cost of accommodation). A post-conference publication is planned after a positive review.

You are kindly asked to apply for participation in the conference and submit (in Polish and English):

• the title of your paper,

• biographical note (up to 300 characters),

• abstract of your paper (up to 2000 characters),

by February 15, 2023.

Once you have been notified – by February 20, 2023 of your acceptance a as conference participant, please pay – by March 6, 2023 - the conference fee of PLN 400 to the Academy's account:

BZ WBK S.A. VI O/POZNAŃ 66 1090 1362 0000 0000 3601 7907

The application, topic, biographical note, and abstract as well as confirmation of payment should be sent to Julia Gołębiowska, PhD at: golebiowska.julia@gmail.com

Further detailed information will be provided at a later date.