The First World War Conference

I attended the First World War: Music, Literature and Memory conference at King's College, Cambridge last weekend (11/12th July) and found the experience most rewarding.

Although my inferiority complex, propensity for timidity, and strong Scottish accent prevented me from speaking to as many people as I would have liked to, the event was definitely beneficial. As someone who will need to present a paper, at some point in the not-too-distant future, it was of great value to be in the position purely of observer.

It was re-assuring to see how supportive, receptive, and attentive fellow delegates were towards those giving papers. Praise was awarded when due, and perceptive questions were asked, and answered, creating spots of lively debate. There was a definite sense of support, or camaraderie, extended to all who attended, and there was, thankfully, an absence of aloofness.

In terms of content, the papers delivered were, on the whole, enlightening, engaging, and varied in their subject matter. I enjoyed all the papers I was able to see (some sessions had papers running concurrently), where topics included: Wagner's music in Mrs Dalloway; the 'musical microcosm' of British prisoners of war at Ruhleben Camp; and an insight into the First World War literature of Austria.

In conclusion, the conference provided me with fresh ideas and perspectives both in terms of authors and research avenues (more on this later). As well as being informative, the conference provided me with valuable insight into how these sort of things operate. In this respect it was most rewarding because I discovered that presenting a paper, in front of a knowledgable audience, will not be as terrifying an experience as I had pictured in my mind...

Yes, it will only be moderately horrific.