[AMS-announce] CFP: Present Perspectives on Tonality: Assessment and Prospects, Univ. Francois-Rabelais, Tours, Nov 2009

[Announcements for the AMS]

Present Perspectives on Tonality 
Assessment and Prospects

International conference
26-28 November 2009

Université François-Rabelais
U.F.R  Arts et Sciences Humaines
Département de Musique et Musicologie
5 rue François-Clouet
37000 Tours
Convenor: Henri Gonnard
Research Team  ‘Lieux et enjeux des modernités musicales’

The aim of this conference is to survey the current state of research on the question of tonality. Epistemological issues are immediately raised as this question cannot be envisaged without specifying the distinction between ‘tonality’ as a phenomenon and ‘tonal system’ as a theoretical construction. Generally, the former is considered as having been gradually set up and, thereafter, established during the late Baroque era, expanded and destabilized from the 19th century, to be finally defeated by the appearance of atonality in the 20th century. The latter is represented through the system of major/minor opposites and in the structuring of harmonic progressions, as they are approached from a synchronic/diachronic point of view. Moreover, theory and analysis meet up in the relationship which occurs between the object under analysis and the analyst, between the observer and the object that is observed.

Thus, as its leading theme the conference will focus on the interaction between:

1. the theory and the analysis of tonal music,

2. theory or analysis and the objects to which apply.

Papers may wish to concentrate on either aspect from an epistemological, historical, or methodological point of view.

Proposal for papers (of no more than 20 lines) with a short CV should be sent to henri.gonnard at univ.tours.fr before 15 May 2009.  Travel expenses are to be met by the participants or their institution of affiliation. The proceedings of the conference will be published.  Information: +33 247 36 7727, or the above email address.