Virtuosity is
an art of extremes, of playing an instrument or wielding
a brush at the breathtaking limit of technical power. In
this multimedia exploration of the topic of the virtuoso
in art, literature and music, Dr. Charles A. Riley II,
the author of a dozen books on the arts, examines the
issue of whether the culture of the virtuoso is
compatible with Chinese culture. In addition to a
consideration of masters if calligraphy, particularly Mi
Fei, and painting, specifically Zhang Da Qian, Dr. Riley
will consider the role of virtuosity in music with
reference to Yo Yo Ma and others. The lecture will be
accompanied by slides, music and videos.
