Matthias Pasdzierny

Together with colleagues in Berlin and Frankfurt, I am working on the Bernd Alois Zimmermann Complete Edition: Compositions, Writings, and Letters (www.baz-ga.de). A particular challenge of this project is to develop standards for the digitisation and long-term accessibility of electronic and tape music. In my habilitation thesis, I therefore deal with re-editions of recorded music in historical overview, starting with the wax cylinder recordings of the late 19th century up to Elvis Presley’s first ‘best of’ album Golden Records from 1958. In my free time, I like to go to techno clubs and festivals, which has led me to start researching techno music as well. Déformation professionelle, I guess.

When I applied to AGYA, I already had some very concrete research projects in mind, for example, on the exile of German musicians in Arab countries after 1933 (a topic I became aware of during my PhD research), or on the role of techno and electronic dance music in Arab societies. Beyond that, I am very interested in challenging and questioning my own prejudices and academic traditions in direct exchange with colleagues from other cultural backgrounds.

I believe intellectuals and scientists today have a greater responsibility than ever to work towards the free and fair global exchange of knowledge and resources.

In this sense, I see my membership in AGYA as both an obligation and a privileged opportunity at the same time.

Academic career