War, Music, Memory - Ethnomusicological Explorations in Abkhazia

Abstract

Kerstin Klenke, head of the Phonogrammarchiv of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, focuses on music and politics in Central Asia and the Caucasus in her research. While her studies in Uzbekistan explore the connection between popular music and patriotism, in the Caucasian de facto republic of Abkhazia she is investigating the connection between war, music and memory. In doing so, she understands music in a comprehensive sense, i.e. she does not limit herself to music, text or repertoire analyses, but rather examines music as a social phenomenon. In a conversation with the artist and cultural worker Olivia Jaques, who has led art projects supporting peacebuilding in the South Caucasus, she provides insight into the current Abkhaz musical landscape, in which the topic of war plays a major role.