Music and Clowning in Europe, 20th-21st centuries

This research project explores the interactions between music and clowning from two perspectives: first, by investigating uses functions of sound in European traditions, second, revisiting notion musical humor introducing category ‘clownesque’ – taking Gustav Mahler’s Seventh Symphony as a case study. Clowning practices can inform modern instrumental music, I suggest, because cross-fertilization ‘cultivated’ ‘popular’ genres characteristic this era. My musicological perspective on will throw new light tradition; and, turn, interpreting 20th century through lens emphasize physicality gestures.