Alternative zur Flaschenpost-Kunst, Hochschule für Musik Basel

The research project Alternative zur Flaschenpost-Kunst explores Hans Wüthrich's concept Genossin Cäcilia (1976) with artistic and scientific methods: This yet unpublished typescript outlines a music creative practice in collaboration with people on the margins of society – a «composing with another self» that reflects their world and gives them a voice.

Wüthrich implemented the concept in two works, Brigitte F. (1978) and Procuste deux étoiles (1981), but contrary to his original intentions, the response remained largely confined to the circle of new music and was mixed even there. No wonder, these pieces were actually motivated by Wüthrich's discomfort with the aesthetic practices and cultural institutions of new music, whose social impact he described as «Flaschenpost-Kunst» (message-in-a-bottle art). In response, Genossin Cäcilia wanted to offer an alternative, anticipating highly topical issues such as relational inclusion, political empowerment and social sustainability.

The current research project subjects this concept to critical re-vision: in addition to studies on the original sources and aesthetic framework, it examines in practical terms how Wütrich's methodology can or must be updated today in the intersection of community music, social work and artistic research.

An interdisciplinary research team will develop a multidirectional critical perspective on Wüthrich, but also, based on Wüthrich's criticism, on the social relevance of contemporary music creation and its institutions.

The project Alternative zur Flaschenpostkunst is embedded in long-term studies in the field of acoustic ecologies, social responsibility of art and creative innovation.

The focus is on:

- Source-critical analysis of Wüthrich's work and related documents.

- Practice-led «Test Scenarios» of the concept Genossin Cäcilia with students and external partners.

- Development of new aesthetic formats beyond established concert formats.

- Evaluation with regard to sustainable creative practices and teaching formats.