Executive Summary: Methodology for Data Collection and Curation in Classical Symphony Performance Research

This document outlines the meticulous methodology for data collection and curation, forming the bedrock of a research project investigating how performance practice choices shape listener perception in classical symphonies, aiming to develop a typology of “interpretive schools.” The approach emphasizes qualitative data, moving beyond the traditional “historically informed performance (HIP) vs. modern” binary.

The project will strategically select symphonic works from three composers, with two to three representative pieces each, spanning mid-20th century to present recordings from Europe and the US. Selection criteria prioritize interpretive richness and challenge (works with diverse historical interpretations and inherent interpretive difficulties), recording availability and diversity (a substantial body of commercially available recordings across various performance traditions), geographical representation (composers whose works are widely performed in both Europe and the US), and compositional diversity within constraints (representing different periods or styles where relevant). For instance, symphonies by Beethoven, Brahms, and Mahler are proposed as ideal candidates due to their extensive discographies and varied interpretive histories.

A systematic recording curation process will follow repertoire selection. This involves compiling comprehensive discographies for each chosen work, then categorizing recordings by broad performance traditions (e.g., HIP ensembles, prominent modern orchestras, and recordings with unique or influential interpretive approaches). Crucially, this stage will also involve formulating preliminary interpretive hypotheses to guide subsequent purposive sampling. The purposive sampling strategy will select a diverse subset of recordings that demonstrably showcase variations in key performance parameters such as tempo, articulation, timbre, dynamics, and overall aesthetic. The goal is to ensure representation of all hypothesized “interpretive schools” and to select recordings that highlight significant interpretive differences, while ensuring technical quality. Comprehensive metadata for each selected recording will be meticulously documented to provide crucial context.

Musician interviews constitute a vital qualitative data source, offering direct insights into interpretive philosophies and decision-making processes. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with 10-15 principal investigators or key musicians directly involved in the curated recordings. Interviewee selection will prioritize direct involvement, representativeness of emerging interpretive schools, experience and influence, and willingness to participate. Recruitment will involve direct outreach, snowball sampling, and leveraging professional networks. The interview protocol will focus on interpretive philosophy and aims, decision-making processes regarding specific performance choices (often using “recording-assisted” techniques where excerpts from their own recordings are played), influences and mentorship, perceptions of their own and others’ performances and listener impact, and the challenges and rewards of interpreting the repertoire. All interviews will be audio-recorded, transcribed, and followed by reflexive journaling.

Throughout the data collection process, strict ethical considerations will be upheld. This includes obtaining informed consent from all participants, ensuring anonymity and strict confidentiality of their responses (unless explicit permission for attribution is granted), adhering to data protection regulations for storage and retention, and minimizing the burden on participants’ time. This rigorous approach to data collection and curation aims to build a robust, diverse, and ethically sound dataset, providing the foundational qualitative evidence necessary for a comprehensive analysis of performance practices and the development of a nuanced typology of interpretive schools.

Index: Methodology for Data Collection and Curation

1. Methodology: Data Collection and Curation
   • Introduction
2. Repertoire Selection: Strategic Rationale and Criteria
   • Interpretive Richness and Challenge
   • Recording Availability and Diversity
   • Geographical Representation
   • Compositional Diversity within Constraints
   • Scholarly Discourse and Pre-existing Analysis
   • Illustrative Potential Selection
3. Recording Curation: A Systematic and Representative Approach
   • Comprehensive Discography Compilation
   • Categorization by Performance Tradition and Initial Interpretive Hypotheses
   • Purposive Sampling for Typological Representation
   • Documentation of Metadata
4. Musician Interviews: Sampling Strategy and Protocol for In-depth Insights
   • Sampling Strategy
   • Interview Protocol
     • Interpretive Philosophy and Aims
     • Decision-Making Processes Regarding Specific Performance Choices (Recording-Assisted)
     • Influences and Mentorship
     • Perceptions of Their Own and Others’ Performances and Listener Impact
     • Challenges and Rewards
5. Ethical Considerations
   • Informed Consent
   • Anonymity and Confidentiality
   • Data Protection and Retention
   • Minimizing Burden