Abstract
The relationship between rhythm and metre can be broadly distinguished into three different systematic models: Either rhythm is the superior term, and metre is a narrower, specific form of rhythmic organization (there is rhythm without metre, but no metre without rhythm). Or rhythm and metre are complementary but equally important aspects of temporal organization (then minimal or maximal preconditions of metrical regularity must be defined). Finally, rhythm can be used as a generic term for quasi-metrical alternations of events (this approach basically covers any talk of a “rhythm of seasons”, a “rhythm of historical events”, and so on).
In this presentation I will start with examples from the last approach that is prevalent within philosophical writings and cultural theories of the 20th century (e.g., Ludwig Klages, Gilles Deleuze, Bruno Latour). My presentation will discuss if and how these more metaphorical approaches can be of any importance for the empiric and scientific research of musical rhythm. Especially, a critique of musical metre is prevalent in modernist aesthetics. This critique, however, can be criticized in itself for its blurred definitions and missing interconnection to present musical practices. The presentation will cover this broad topic with theoretical and musical examples from different medias.
Bio
Julian Caskel, b. 1978, studied musicology, philosophy, and political sciences at the universities of Heidelberg and K?ln. He finished his Ph.D. in 2008 on scherzo movements in the 19th century, habilitation in 2017. Substitute professor at the Goethe-Universit?t Frankfurt, the HFMT K?ln and currently at the Folkwang Universit?t der Künste Essen. Publications on empirical performance research (e.g., Handbuch Dirigenten, with Hartmut Hein), music theory and intermedial music aesthetics (e.g., Die Theorie des Rhythmus) as well as on music history from Haydn to the present. His latest research project covers the topic of music and climate change, his latest publication as editor is “Softwaregestützte Interpretationsforschung” (with Frithjof Vollmer and Thomas Wozonig).