Analogy and the Erotics of Interpretation (researcher: Emil Gryesten)
Analogy and the Erotics of Interpretation is a practice-based doctoral research project that aims to investigate how analogy and metaphor function as transformative artistic tools in interpreting 19th-century piano music. The project is rooted in my practice as a classical concert pianist, yet my approach is intentionally experimental and nomadic. Through this research, I aim to challenge established interpretative traditions within my field through (1) a radical experimentational approach to interpretation and performance of 19th century piano works and (2) by bringing in information and inspiration from theorists working within a specific strand of semiology in order to illuminate my topic of analogy and metaphor. This project integrates a study of analogies and metaphors in music with an investigation into the corporeal and material foundations of musical semiosis, striving to (3) develop a cohesive theory of the “Erotics of Interpretation” that unifies the theoretical threads explored throughout the research. Methodologically, the research will unfold through a series of artistic experiments, designed as case studies, and applying Hans-Jörg Rheinberger’s model of experimental systems to music performance1 . The case studies include (1) A Thousand Hammerklavier Sonatas; (2) Transfigured—a study in Romantic piano transcription; and (3) experimental applications of Konstantin Stanislavsky’s drama techniques to musical performance.
Results
Outcome, part 1: A Thousand Hammerklavier Sonatas
-Each reinterpretation is recorded and stored, and selected versions are published on the project's online homepage and on social media.
-My accompanying diary and graphic notes serve as raw material for article writing and when
presenting the project, and may also themselves serve as documentation and illustration.
Outcome, part 2: Articles/essays
-Articles and essays will explore various philosophical dimensions of my research project and
integrate an exploration of semiotic theory in relation to the transmutational metaphor in
music with examples drawn from artistic practice.
Suggested article topics: 1) “Transmutational Metaphors in the Performance of Romantic
Music”. In part a theoretical study, in part a study of current and historical performance practice 2) “Transfigured—a Study of the Romantic Piano Transcription as Special Instances of Transmutational Metaphor” 3) “Beyond Boundaries of Musical Imagination: A
Thousand Hammerklavier Sonatas”—an article examining the artistic process applying
adaptations of phenomenological approaches. 4) “The Erotics of Interpretation”, presenting
my unifying theory weaving various project strands together.
Outcome, part 3: CD Recording "Transfigured—The Romantic Piano Transcription"
-I plan to record the album "Transfigured"—a study of the piano transcription as a genre and
phenomenon.
