Five Claims for Global Musicology

Abstract

In 2017, the International Musicological Society began publishing IMS Musicological Brainfood. Each issue contains one or two short contributions moving away from the form of a “classical” musicological journal. The authors of these essays, however, are among the leading musicologists of our time. Upon reading such “tasty brainfood,” it becomes evident that considering how a global perspective challenges musicology provides a predominant “ingredient” in the recipe. Still, questions arise: how does a global musicology collide with traditional musicological forms of writing the history and theory of (Western) music; and what does it mean to be global in terms of musicological concepts and tools? Provoked and “refueled” by IMS Musicological Brainfood, the answers to these questions provides an outline for the disciplinary features of global musicology. Additionally, this article suggests a possible future for global musicology. Challenged by a global perspective, musicology could develop its potential for socially engaged practice by becoming responsible for the sustainability of music as artistic practice.