On the musical motif in the autobiographical novel “Wie ich Klavierspielen lernte” (2019) by Hanns-Josef Ortheil Cover Image

Zum Musikmotiv im autobiographischen Roman Wie ich Klavierspielen lernte (2019) von Hanns-Josef Ortheil
On the musical motif in the autobiographical novel “Wie ich Klavierspielen lernte” (2019) by Hanns-Josef Ortheil

Author(s): Adriana Morawska
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Studies of Literature, German Literature
Published by: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu Szczecińskiego
Keywords: Hanns-Josef Ortheil; playing the piano; thematization of music in literature; intermedial references between literature and music

Summary/Abstract: The main aim of this essay is the novel Wie ich Klavierspielen lernte (2019), which is considered as a form of literary representation of textual thematization of music. The goal of the article is to show the musical motif which include a look on the characteristics of the main protagonist – Johannes. The music thematization term is used in reference to Steven Paul Schers, Konrad Górskis, Michał Głowińskis and Werner Wolfs literary-theoretical approach. An attempt was also made in the article to show the connection between the music motif in the novel being discussed and the biography of the author. Novels of Hanns-Josef Ortheil are characterized by many aspects of autobiographical themes and musical motifs. These texts not only describe composers, pianists, musicians or concerts, but also sketch feelings and emotions that music makes in the characters. Wie ich Klavierspielen lernte (2019) is one of the writer‘s most autobiographical texts. This is a story of Johannes, who is the alter ego of the author himself. His passion for music meant that he wanted to become a pianist.

  • Issue Year: 2022
  • Issue No: 31
  • Page Range: 63-82
  • Page Count: 20
  • Language: German