On 6 and 7 February 2025, the Universidad Complutense de Madrid will be hosting a conference on Pau Casals (1876-1973). This cellist, conductor, composer, teacher, and human-rights advocate is more present than ever in the musical and scholarly agenda. 2023 witnessed the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of his decease, and 2026 will commemorate the 150th year of his birth. In between, we want to reflect on Casals' importance and legacy, and on the people, objects, and practices that revolved and cristalised around his figure. In this manner, we aim at placing this Catalan musician in the broader context of musical making and cultural history in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The programme committee encourages proposals on the following topics in connection with Pau Casals, although other issues will also be welcome:
Recorded sound: formats, objects, collaborative work
Live concert practices: acoustics, programming, encounters
Transmitting sound impressions: reviews, conversations, memories, classes
Embodied sound: physicality, performance experiences
From solo to the orchestra: dynamics of individual and ensemble playing (chamber and orchestral music)
Material sound: Instruments, devices, mediations
The official languages of the conference will be English and Spanish, with a strong preference for the former. Modes of presentation include:
Short presentations (20 minutes + 10 minutes for QA)
Themed sessions (3 or 4 20-minute presentations + 30 minutes for QA)
Lecture-recitals (60 minutes)*
Collaborative presentations (up to 4 authors) are welcome. All papers will be given on site, although we will aim at broadcasting the conference online.
Proposals should be submitted through the official form by 1 September 2024. All submissions must include:
Author's name(s) and affiliation(s)
Email address(s)
Type of presentation
Abstract: max. 300 words for short presentations and lecture-recitals, max. 600 words for themed sessions. Supplementary materials, such as Figures or audio clips, can be uploaded, but longer abstracts will not be accepted.
3-5 keywords
Requirements
Authors will be able to modify their submissions until the deadline. All proposals will be reviewed anonymously. The results will be communicated by 15 October 2024.
* The conference room has a baby grand piano.