• When #TimesUp for Musical Gods: The James Levine Scandal

    Author(s):
    Linda Shaver-Gleason (see profile)
    Date:
    2018
    Group(s):
    American Musicological Society
    Subject(s):
    Musicology, Music, Internet, Culture
    Item Type:
    Conference paper
    Conf. Title:
    Music and Musicology in the Age of Post-Truth
    Conf. Org.:
    University College Dublin
    Conf. Loc.:
    Dublin, Ireland
    Conf. Date:
    7-8 September 2018
    Tag(s):
    James Levine, sexual assault, #MeToo, #TimesUp, Post-Truth, Reception studies, Classical music, Western classical music, Internet culture
    Permanent URL:
    http://dx.doi.org/10.17613/M6NP1WJ1Q
    Abstract:
    In 2011, San Francisco Opera general director David Gockly said, “[James Levine] is no ordinary music director…He’s a god.” Such statements become sinister in light of accusations that Levine, former music director of the Metropolitan Opera and Boston Symphony Orchestra, engaged in decades of sexual abuse with his “provocative, cult-like following.” Classical music tends to deify certain individuals, treating some musicians as unimpeachable geniuses. Inherent power hierarchies of orchestras and opera companies intersect with expectations that classical music is a “high” art that prompts spiritual experiences, creating conditions where fans venerate an individual, which conceals abuses of power. Despite the growing case against Levine, some still believe his musical contributions eclipse accusations of impropriety. Discussions of Levine reflect fundamental disagreement over music’s purpose in current society. This paper examines the persistent deification of James Levine after the alleged abuse became public. I put online commentary on Levine from the past and present into dialogue, demonstrating how concepts of genius and deification take on different meanings before and after The Boston Globe’s exposé on the conductor. My analysis reveals how classical music is susceptible to abuses of power and why its institutions must address the growing cultural rift in the era of #MeToo and #TimesUp.
    Metadata:
    xml
    Status:
    Published
    Last Updated:
    5 years ago
    License:
    All Rights Reserved
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