Tuning in or turning off: performing emotion and building cosmopolitan solidarity in international music competitions

Abstract

This article suggests that international classical music competitions are becoming sites of the global cultural public sphere. Like post-traditional festivals, they have previously served as arenas where nations compete for supremacy. But as these events become more globalized, they create opportunities to foster cosmopolitan sociability and cultivate global values. Through a discourse analysis of media coverage and online commentary from a selected case, I examine how difference is constructed in the competition context and how these categories complicate attempts to relate musically across differences. This analysis highlights the central role of emotion in the process of cultural inclusion, both as a discursive trope in evaluations of musical authenticity and as a signifier of value justifying the incorporation of a wider range of people into the circle of great musicians.

Keywords:

• cosmopolitanism
• musical performance
• competitions
• emotions
• global citizenship
• public sphere

Notes

1. WFIMC Recommendations, Article 1.1.

2. The Federation does not oversee the field by keeping a directory of all existing organizations but by serving as standard bearer, consultant and, occasionally, mediator in disputes.

3. I draw from the binary discourse of civil society in Alexander (2006, 57–59). Openness is a quality of civil relations. Others are: trusting, critical, honourable, altruistic, truthful, straightforward, deliberative and friendly. Inclusiveness is a quality of civil institutions, along with: rule-regulated, law, equality, impersonal, contracts, groups and office. Uncivil qualities are defined in opposition to these terms.

4. Age is the only acceptable basis for discrimination. The Federation allows competitions to ‘establish minimum and maximum age requirements for competitors’. While the suggested age limit varies by discipline, the age minimum does not; competitors must be at least fifteen years old. WFIMC Recommendations, Article 2.2.

5. WFIMC Recommendations, Article 1.2.

6. In 2009, first, second and third prizewinners received US$20,000.

7. The goal of audience expansion is not to increase profits. Only not-for-profit organizations qualify for Federation membership.

8. ‘2009 Webcast & Media’ Cliburn News. Special Issue No. 95, Summer 2009, p. 2. Fort Worth: Van Cliburn Foundation. (Archived at Texas Christian University.).

9. A survey conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts found that 71% of American adults use electronic media to access the arts (NEA 2012).

10. During the Cold War, Soviet competitors were effectively official representatives because the government only issued visas to musicians selected through state-controlled channels. Similar practices were temporarily adopted by Chinese officials after the Cultural Revolution (see Kraus 1989).

11. The Federation's expectation regarding international character extends to the jury. The majority of judges are supposed to ‘represent nationalities and countries of residence other than the country in which the competition is held’ (WFIMC Statutes, Article 12p.)

12. Marcus Cato, Cliburn blog, June 7, 2009.

13. Chang Tou Liang (Singapore), May 24, 2009.

14. joey c, May 27, 2009.

15. George Kiorpes, May 27, 2009.

16. Marcus Cato, May 25, 2009.

17. Mariana, May 29, 2009.

18. Hawley, May 23, 2009.

19. Ho, May 25, 2009.

20. Jennifer, June 4, 2005.

21. Eric Zuber, June 7, 2009.

22. joey c, May 25, 2009.

23. M. Han, May 27, 2009.

24. DR, May 26, 2009.

25. GK, May 30, 2009.

26. Tom M, May 30, 2009.

27. Marcus Cato, May 25, 2009.

28. wr, May 24, 2009.

29. Mike Winter, May 25, 2005.

30. Paco, June 580 5, 2005.

31. Mike Hawley, May 25, 2009.

32. Paco, June 5, 2005.

33. AGB, May 23, 2009.

34. Robert Lee, May 26, 2009.

35. Jack, May 27, 2009.

36. The Project, May 25, 2009.

37. Frank, May 25, 2009.

38. The Project, May 25, 2009.

39. Tom, May 25, 2009.

40. Jeff, May 25, 2009.

41. Steven Lagerberg, May 25, 2009.

42. gnwelch, June 3, 2009.

43. Anne S., June 3, 2009.

44. Tom, June 3, 2009.

45. Lily, June 3, 2009.45.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lisa McCormick

LISA McCORMICK is Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at Haverford College.