Musical Competitions in Europe (1700-1920)

Multiplication of musical competitions during the 18th and 19th centuries is one aspect of this art’s development that has been neglected until now. It concerns instrumental or vocal performances as well as composition or instrument making. It can be a way to bring people together, to promote an institution or an industry, to encourage emulation, or to develop a certain way to practise or write music. In the 18th century composers and musicians used to compete each other in performance, especially with organ, harpsichord or violin. But the modern form of competition develops in the 19th century.
The conference aims to examine these competitions and to analyse their flourishing on a large geographical and temporal scales.