Musicologica 1/2008

Management of chanson represents an entirely different type of organization of music culture than is usual in other genres, since chanson is part of minor genres in Slovakia (minor genre is a Central European term; it refers to a quantitatively small group of listeners). We focus on its position among other genres in Slovakia and society, the current situation, the importance and status of chanson artists in society. We answer fundamental questions of music management such as protection of music rights, issues related to personal manager, medialization and form of presentation. The eminent personalities of this genre in Slovakia are: Hana Hegerová, Milka Došeková, Zoro Laurinc, Alena Čermáková, Szidi Tobias, Igor Šebo, Alena Zimanyová, Monika Stanislavová, Edita Moravská and others. Reception of chanson in Slovakia is then confronted with its current status in the Czech Republic. We refer to the practical relevance of these artists at home and abroad.

The article deals with the history and organization of the International Flamenco Festival in Bratislava. Problems encountered by organizers of flamenco concerts are discussed in depth. The author of the article focuses on detailed history of the constitution of the festival and its programe conception and puts together a database of all the previous and current organizers and performers. The author also compares concert halls in Bratislava and debates their suitability for flamenco production.

World music, since its wider penetration into the music industry (1980‘s), has been developing in several directions. World renowned universities offer world music study programmes, which are centered around ethnomusicological disciplines with a practical performing class focused on traditional folk music from all over the world. Music publishers, periodicals and radio stations understand this phenomenon, either as a modern syncretic music style, which enriches the original material by other ethnic styles of nonartificial music, or as a current way of expression of musical traditions. The resulting patchwork of the music production that is included in the world music category, however, always involves a few groups with characteristic features that are geared towards self-sufficiency regardless of the final commercial success. Therefore, it can be concluded that the world music represents an exceedingly attractive article. It ensures a commercial profit as an independent music style with a clear ideology – an innovation of a musical tradition.