Musicology contributes substantially to the cultural memory of the nation and of humankind at large.
 

The primary objective of the research group Musicology is the study of music and of its cultural meanings in any period or culture.

Research projects

Our research focuses on two areas: historical musicology, and music and media. It emphasises the history of music in the medieval and Renaissance period, the history of music in the Low Countries and The Netherlands up to the present day, and the interrelationship of music and media, such as games, music for television, and film music.

Musicology aligns with broader strategic themes and focus areas of Utrecht University in the following ways.

Music and institutions

Musicologists contribute to the strategic theme Institutions through their research involving the complex institutions that make up the cultural infrastructure of music, from princely courts and various religious communities, to opera houses, music publishers, recording, film, video game, and television companies.

Music and games

As the term 'to play music' illustrates, music always has a ludic component, and musicologists therefore are also fundamentally involved with the focus area Game Research, in particular the role of music in contemporary digital media.

Areas of expertise: history of Western music | jazz | popular music | music and international relations | music of the Low Countries and The Netherlands | interrelationship of music and media | digital musicology | opera | film and theatre music | video games | performance studies

Affiliated with

 

Education