Beyond Borders: symposium in memory of John Neubauer

This symposium is organized in memory of John Neubauer (Budapest 1933 – Amsterdam 2015), Professor of Comparative Literature and Culture at the University of Amsterdam.

The lectures will focus on the interdisciplinary and transnational legacy of his work on the relationships among literature, music, and science. The speakers will reflect on the ways in which John’s ideas influenced these various disciplines and inspired the work of his students and colleagues. The symposium will include a music performance by the noted mezzo soprano Cora Burggraaf and pianist Gerard Bouwhuis, highlighting some chapters of John’s last, posthumously published book, The Persistence of Voice (Brill, 2017), which will be presented at this occasion. The book can also be ordered with a discount (from €119,- to €40,-) on this day through Athenaeum. 

Program

15:00-15:10 - Welcome, introduction - Mieke Bal

Panel 1 – Music and Literature

15:10-15:50 - Sabine Lichtenstein: Hebrew Melodies

- Music -
15:50-16:30 - Cora Burggraaf, mezzo soprano and Gerard Bouwhuis, pianist - songs by Beethoven, Mahler, and Bartók

16:30-17:00 Coffee break

Panel 2 – Science and Literature

17:00-17:20 - Frans Saris: Consilience: Unity of Knowledge

17:20-17:40 - Joep Leerssen: John Neubauer and the Transnational Turn in Comparatism

Panel 3 – Round Table Discussion

17:40-18:10 - Interdisciplinarity as Method: Round Table Discussion with Guido Snel, Kiene Brillenburg Wurth, Marleen Rensen, Stephan Besser, and Krisztina Lajosi

18:10-18:15 – Closing remarks

18:15-19:00 - Reception 

Registration

You can sign up for this program for free. If you subscribe for the program we count on your presence. If you are unable to attend, please let us know via [email protected] | T: +31 (0)20 525 8142.