CFP (articles): This is the Sound of Irony: Music, Politics and the Public Sphere

This is the Sound of Irony: Music, Politics and the Public Sphere Irony is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as "a figure of speech in which the intended meaning is the opposite of that expressed by the words used." Music challenges this construction through the unique properties of its semantic indeterminacy, performance practices and re-appropriation for new ends. Irony in music is perhaps nowhere more effective than that which is/was employed in the public sphere as a means of destabilizing power or interjecting dissent. Based on papers read at the recent conference “The Art and Politics of Irony,” this edited collection for an academic press seeks additional essays that address irony in music or musical culture used for political effect or public impact. Both popular and art music topics that address these themes are welcome. Essays should have a foundation in the current broad field of irony studies – literary, political, humor, performance studies, musical, etc. Completed essays of 5000-6000 words (including notes) will be due mid- fall. For consideration, please send a proposal of 400-500 words describing the topic and relevant irony theory/methodology and a short bio paragraph including contact information by June 15, 2012 to K_L_Turner [at] yahoo.com. Please feel free to contact me with questions. Katherine L. Turner.