3:30 PM

Prof. Roseen Giles (Duke University) presents "The Millennial Discord: Generational Tensions in Early Modern Italy"

Musicology, Ethnomusicology and Music Theory Graduate Colloquium

Roseen Giles, Assistant Professor of Music, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, Duke University, presents "The Millennial Discord: Generational Tensions in Early Modern Italy."

Room 130, Edward Johnson Building, 80 Queen's Park, Toronto

FREE

Abstract
Generational tensions have driven some of the greatest social and artistic upheavals in history. The power of generational allegiance has been both a productive catalyst for social change and creative force for new modes of artistic expression. But historically it has also led to the adoption of incompatible worldviews and encouraged the creation of quasi-mythical perceptions of the past and present. Recently, this has led some to speak of a ‘post-truth’ society. How does this happen and is it unique in our present day? This lecture will illustrate that generational tensions have a long and complicated history; they were expressed not only in the social and political spheres but also in the cultural and artistic ones. The Italian seventeenth century was a time when the natural rivalry of different generations contributed to the inner mechanics of artistic forms, particularly on the Venetian operatic stage. This period in the history of music was saturated by polemics, aesthetics of contrast, and the identification of beauty in the incongruous.

All colloquia take place from 3:30 to 5 pm, unless otherwise noted, with a reception to follow from 5 to 6 pm.