Inaugural lecture - Prof Kenneth Smith: Franz Liszt’s Sonata in B Minor

School of the Arts Inaugural Lecture:

“Franz Liszt’s Sonata in B Minor: Musical Form, Feedback loops, and Acceleration”

Professor Kenneth Smith

Tung Auditorium, Yoko Ono Lennon centre - University of Liverpool

16 February 2023, 5:30 pm

Professor Kenneth Smith discusses his recent work on the generation of energy in music through feedback loops, from the smallest details to the largest levels of a work’s formal structure. As a case study, Liszt’s (in)famous B Minor Sonata is used. In this exciting sonata, short musical phrases constantly threaten to spin out of control, leading to an exponentially accelerating piece of virtuosic music. The talk will address the philosophical grounding for Smith’s analytical technique, and will further consider the role of virtuosity in both the breakdown of classical phrases and the formation of a new hyper-energetic and dynamic musical form.

No music-theoretical knowledge is assumed for this talk, which is open to all.

As part of the lecture the full sonata (ca. 30 minutes) will be performed by Professor Ian Pace (City University, London), with real-time illustrations from Professor Smith.

The event is followed by a wine reception.

The School of the Arts is delighted to announce the launch of its first Inaugural lecture series starting in February 2023. This is an opportunity to celebrate and share the contribution and examples of excellence by School Professors with fellow colleagues, students, family and friends. Please join us for a series of inspiring and captivating events.

Details on upcoming lectures in the series can be found here: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/arts/events/inaugural-lecture-series/

Host or Publisher University of Liverpool Lunchtime Concert Series