Hanne Rekdal: Attuned Action

Field of Study: Practice-oriented Musicology

This study investigates the role of personality in creative performance within Norwegian contemporary music ensembles, and how it is expressed and shaped through collective artistic processes. Personality is understood as that which emerges in relational situations, in contrast to identity – a more static category tied to social and discursive frameworks – and subjectivity, which denotes the experiencing self. The study combines contemporary music practice with aesthetic-philosophical and musicological perspectives to illuminate the relationship between personality and artistic expression.

Hanna Arendt’s concept of action provides an analytical framework for understanding artistic practice as a relational, meaning generating activity with intrinsic value. Personality is examined as an active, creative force that manifests through interaction. The project aims to develop new knowledge on creative performer roles in contemporary music and to offer new approaches for its musicians.