Animals have been present in human music since the Middle Ages, mostly as representations—both metaphorical and sonical. In the 1950s the expansion of musical material—of sonic sources as well as structural aspects, improvisatorial input, and more—also drew on animals in various ways. More recently, the re-evaluation of animal ethics, along with the environmental movement, has prompted musicians to engage with animals and their sounds on a more balanced level, reflecting on questions of hierarchy and hegemony, as well as knowledge production and transmission.
In this seminar, students will explore animal-related repertoire since the 1950s and discuss both analytical and socio-political aspects, drawing on primary sources from compositions, improvisations, and similar materials, as well as literature from music history and human-animal studies.
Zoom Link: https://kunsthochschule-bayern.zoom-x.de/j/9899902075
Meeting-ID: 989 990 2075
- Teacher: Susanne Heiter