We are delighted to announce the inauguration of the IMS Study Group “Comparative Perspectives on Genetic Criticism,” chaired by Federica Rovelli (IT). Below is an excerpt from the mission statement:

The IMS Study Group “Comparative Perspectives on Genetic Criticism” (CPGC) aims to provide an international forum for scholars investigating genetic process in music. The purpose of the study group is to promote a comparative understanding of the compositional strategies employed by composers from diverse historical periods and musical traditions, transcending national methodologies and individual terminology. Studies of the creative process in music are usually based on national research traditions, strongly influenced by their respective policies (for example, for the “great” national composers) or cultural currents (critique génétique in France, filologia d’autore in Italy, Genetische Textkritik in Germany, and sketch studies in the English-speaking world). The resulting problem—that of an uncontrolled proliferation of terminological definitions, up to the configuration of a true “critical-genetic Babel”—has been officially recognized on several occasions. The initiative to set up a network investigating genetic processes in a comparative way goes back to an international conference at Villa Vigoni (Italy) in May 2024.

Visit the study group page for the full statement and further details. Click here to manage your IMS Regional Associations and IMS Study Groups.