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.

The study group welcomes members with an interest in sharing their expertise and organizes at least one meeting for members every year and a conference or symposium at least once every two years.

The mission of the CPGC is oriented towards (but not limited to) the following main objectives:

• foster interoperability of digital projects, for example, by developing common data models and standards;
• create an international network of scholars;
• encourage cooperation between existing research institutes;
• support new projects that would benefit from the group’s expertise;
• analyze and solve the main problems of communication within the community;
• develop a shared terminology to enable cooperation.

Federica Rovelli (IT)

Fabian Czolbe (DE), Andreas Münzmay (DE), Elisa Novara (IT)

For a report of recent activities, as well as older reports, see the IMS Publication Archive.