Performing by the Book? Musical Negotiations between Text and Act

To perform a musical score implies the transformation of a symbolically coded text into vibrant sound. In Performing by the Book? a carefully selected cadre of artistresearchers dissects this delicate act in critical ways. Off ering fi rst-hand insights into the notational, structural, and interpretative challenges faced by musicians in dealing with texts of all kinds, the chapters traverse the spectrum between the Middle Ages and the age of Stockhausen. In a harmonious blend of scholarly allure and individual artistry, free from academic obfuscation, the contributors keep a keen eye on the limits of interpretation, in terms of both the interpretative process itself and the balance between textual faithfulness and artistic autonomy. This comprehensive volume is an indispensable guide for everyone interested in the relationship between musical performance and texts.

Bruno Forment has assembled a wonderful group of artistic researchers (of the highest calibre) working in a wide range of musical styles and periods; there is something here for everyone.

—Neal Peres Da Costa, Sydney Conservatorium of Music

Performers involved with HIP will fi nd this collection of essays invaluable. Musicologists will also fi nd much to ponder, and the relatively straightforward written style of almost all the contributions will appeal to a wide readership of concertgoers, especially those with an interest in historical performance.

—John Potter, singer and author