Theme: Choosing a Topic

Topic(s):
Music and Food

Cultural identity is defined through the aspects considered unique to a given group. Traditions, mannerisms, appearance, etc. all contribute toward helping to define (or at least place boundaries around) what a group’s identity is.

Two topics that are of interest to me are music and food. Both of these topics play an important role in national identity for many groups of people, and I am wondering if this also holds true for Berlin.

…

Music plays a crucial role in terms of group identity. The fact that many countries have a unique national anthem is a testament to this. In addition, many melodies, motifs, forms, and rhythms have been classified as being part of particular nationalities—if one hears a Samba, one thinks of Brazil.

Regarding music and Berlin, I am full for questions that I may wish to pursue. I am curious as to whether distinct forms of music (classical* or otherwise) evolved in both halves of Berlin while the wall was up. In addition, I would like to know if classical performance practices were different on either side of the wall—were certain pieces or certain works by particular composers banned on either side of the wall? Were there different outlooks to the approach or mental state musicians had before confronting an audience? Did any “great” works arise through division of the city? Do musicians and composers in Berlin today think about the city's past division, and if so, how does it affect their art?

*Classical refers to what is now known as “Western” Classical music—Bach, Mozart, Brahms, the usual suspects.

…

A second topic I am considering is that of food. Again, this plays a role on a given culture’s identity.

Different countries use different ingredients in their cooking. I am guessing that this is due to differences in what grows best in a given region as well as what the area’s history and relationship with a particular ingredient is. For example, Japanese cooking is identified by extensive use of a kelp-based broth (dashi).

In terms of Berlin and food, I am wondering about questions similar to those I posed about music; did the use of certain ingredients change between East and West Berlin? Did new dishes and cooking styles arise during the division? If such differences did arise, what are the consequences to modern-day diners (both tourist and local) in Berlin?

…

This brings me to the “altar” project, or “what objects will be added/found on an imaginary altar based on these topics?”

For Classical Music:
-Concert program (from both West and East Berlin)
-Manuscript of a piece composed during the Berlin Wall years
-Vinyl recording of classical music from either East or West Berlin
-Violin made in Berlin during that period of time
-Orchestra tour/concert schedules during that time

For Food:
-Restaurant menu (from both East and West Berlin)
-Cookbooks from the Berlin Wall years
-Spices used during that period of time
-Jar/Can food sold during that time
-Plates food was served on at restaurants during those years