What is the topic of musical criticism? Questions about an argument duel in Chinese Piano by Étienne Barilier

Abstract

This article deals with the topic of musical criticism, especially performance practice, asking a basic question about what is evaluated and what determines the value of the performance of a work. The reference point is a theoretical presentation of a music critic and musical criticism, including their definitions, objective and subjective factors influencing opinions, etc. A juxtaposition is made between the theory that cannot capture what is ephemeral, occasional, subjective, human, in which the objective description sometimes borders on wishful thinking, and the situation presented in the literature, operating as art, and more possibilities. The essential part of the article is thus an interpretation of a brilliant novel in blogs entitled Chinese piano by Étienne Barilier, a Swiss writer and philosopher. The interpretation focuses on a duel between reviews, arguments focused around the performance at the summer festival of Chinese pianist Mei Jin, which allows taking up the subject of the critic’s work and the subject of musical criticism in general. Questions are asked about the performer (their skills, appearance, country of origin, and culture), context of other performers, time, place and conditions of performance (including the impact of different senses), and the critic himself, including not only his taste and competence, but also everything that shapes him as a human being. Eventually, we get a few answers and a lot of questions that allow us to highlight some issues again.