Exploring virtuosities

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Over the last decade, musicological interest in the nineteenth-century composing virtuoso and the phenomenon of virtuosity has grown significantly. Moving beyond a focus solely on musical works has allowed for diverse perspectives on virtuosity to emerge, placing the traditional image of the virtuoso within a broader cultural context. Recent advancements in performance studies highlight the importance of considering factors such as staging, audience, sound, space, and musical practices in understanding virtuosity's complexity. This volume addresses these multi-layered perspectives by exploring various aspects of virtuosity, from individual virtuosi and their historical and social contexts to contemporary innovations and future phenomena. The topics concentrate on composer and virtuoso Heinrich Wilhelm Ernst and his influence. Contributions reveal the complexity of virtuosity research and free Ernst from the dominant, often non-musical, narratives associated with Paganini. Additionally, the enclosed CD featuring recordings by Guillaume Tardif, Philippe Borer, Clive Brown, and Friederike Spangenberg enhances the text by adding a sound dimension, further enriching the exploration of virtuosity.