In early 2020, as the world grappled with the onset of a global health crisis, Broadway's iconic lights dimmed. However, this did not silence the melodies that have defined its illustrious history. Despite physical distancing measures, renowned composers and lyricists continued to inspire through their art. Celebrating the 90th birthday of the legendary Stephen Sondheim, an array of celebrated artists, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Patti LuPone, and Bernadette Peters, paid homage virtually. Their performances transcended geographical barriers, bringing together audiences worldwide in a shared experience of music and emotion.

Among those captivated by this tribute was Raymond Knapp, a distinguished professor at UCLA. With expertise spanning musicology, disability studies, and humanities, Knapp observed how this virtual gathering mirrored the unifying power of live musical events. His students engaged deeply with the concert, selecting songs for their final presentations, while one of his daughters chronicled the event on her theater blog. These interactions prompted Knapp to reflect further on the profound impact of such gatherings, leading him to delve into the broader implications of musicology in connecting human experiences.

This exploration culminated in Knapp’s upcoming Faculty Research Lecture titled "How Music(ology) Saves Lives." Scheduled for April 11 at Schoenberg Hall, this presentation will explore how music transcends literal interpretations to reanimate historical contexts and enrich personal narratives. Drawing from both his academic pursuits and reflections on the Sondheim tribute, Knapp aims to illuminate how music can preserve elements of humanity across time.

In preparing for this lecture, Knapp integrates insights from his extensive teaching career and recent projects focused on Sondheim's work. He emphasizes the significance of revisiting cultural artifacts like the pandemic-era tribute video, which evoke memories of life before isolation. By discussing these themes alongside the evolution of musicology over the past three decades, Knapp seeks to bridge gaps between specialized fields within academia.

The last thirty years have marked a transformative period for musicology, characterized by increased integration with broader aspects of human existence. This shift began with what was initially termed 'new musicology,' challenging traditional perceptions of music as solely grand or abstract concepts. Instead, it embraced more grounded perspectives, acknowledging music's role in expressing sexuality and other facets of identity. Such developments paved the way for expanded scholarly inquiry, including examinations of popular music and musical theater, areas once dismissed within academic circles.

Knapp's journey reflects this paradigm shift personally too. Initially specializing in classical composers like Brahms and Beethoven, he eventually ventured into studying musicals, transforming his approach and contributing significantly to legitimizing this field academically. Through his lecture, Knapp hopes attendees gain fresh appreciation for musicology's capacity to capture and preserve vital aspects of human movement—both internal and external—offering new ways to understand our collective past and present.

Ultimately, Knapp envisions his lecture fostering greater unity among diverse practitioners within musicology. By highlighting shared objectives despite varying methodologies, he encourages deeper engagement with music's timeless ability to encapsulate the essence of being human. Attendees are invited to register for this enlightening session exploring the multifaceted relationship between music and life preservation.