The relationship between nature and landscape on the one hand and the arts on the other changed during the early nineteenth century. Due to fundamental developments in the history of ideas, nature and landscape experienced manifold increases in significance and often served as a reflection of the inner state of individuals and groups. These phenomena affected not only the music of Franz Schubert, but also compositions of his contemporaries as well as literature, theater, and the visual arts in the Habsburg Empire. This conference, therefore, encourages an interdisciplinary approach.

We particularly invite contributions on the following topics:

  • relationships between the individual and nature, e.g. the motif of the “Wanderer”
  • the (re)discovery of nature and landscape in the Habsburg Empire, the use and instrumentalization of nature for political purposes, and the beginning of natureoriented tourism
  • social components of nature, e.g. urban-rural polarizations.
  • topics of environmentalism in Schubert’s time
  • ecomusicological approaches

However, we are open as well to other related topics.

Applications should include a short CV and an abstract of ca. 300 words. These materials should be sent to [email protected] no later than 14 April 2024. The Schubert Research Center will cover travel expenses and accommodation. The conference language is English.