Plurimedial Interactions Between Music and Literature: Theory and Case Studies & Polytunality: The Untapped Potential of Composing with Tuning Systems

Two lectures by Antonio Belfiore (School of Languages, Literatures and Cultural Studies) and Hayden Kline (School of Creative Arts) for the School of Creative Arts Research Forum.

Plurimedial Interactions Between Music and Literature: Theory and Case Studies
Abstract: 
This presentation introduces the core questions, scope, and motivations of my PhD research 
on the relationship between literature and music in plurimedial works in which a written text 
is embodied by a voice, such as operas, choral compositions, and other vocal works. The 
project examines how the semantic, expressive, and communicative values of a literary text 
are transformed when verbal and sonic systems operate simultaneously. 
The presentation unfolds in three stages. First, I outline the central research questions and 
argue for the necessity of an intermedial perspective to address a persistent methodological 
gap. Although text–music relations have been widely discussed, existing approaches often 
rely on hierarchical or medium-specific models that struggle to account for the simultaneous 
interaction of literary and musical signifying systems in aural, voiced contexts. I situate the 
project within debates on plurimediality, reception, and voice, clarifying its scope and its 
focus on the mutual transformation of literature and music: on how the semantic, prosodic, 
temporal, and expressive dimensions of literary texts are reshaped through musical 
realisation, and how music gains new affordances through its engagement with text. 
The second stage moves from theory to practice through selected musical examples, 
supported by audio excerpts and musical notation. These examples foreground specific 
analytical challenges, including tensions between prosodic and musical temporality, shifts in 
textual function when voiced, and the ambiguous status of vocal sound between semantic 
meaning and sonic expression. These case studies expose the limitations of established 
analytical categories in both musicology and literary studies and help methodological issues 
emerge. 
In the final stage, I introduce a provisional analytical “toolbox” developed within the project. 
This set of concepts and parameters is intended to support the analysis and interpretation of 
plurimedial vocal works, with potential applications in musicological analysis, performance 
practice, and reception studies of voiced plurimedial products.
About the speaker: 
Antonio Belfiore is a doctoral researcher at Trinity College Dublin, awarded with the Trinity 
Research Doctorate Award and an IRC fellowship. His project explores the intermedial 
relationship between music and literature under the supervision of Clodagh Brook and 
Antonio Cascelli. He holds a BA in Modern Literature and aMA in Italian Studies, European 
Literary Cultures, and Linguistic Sciences from the University of Bologna. At the same time, 
he obtained a BA in Piano at the Conservatory of Reggio Emilia. He is part of the editorial 
board of the scholarly journal «Steve». 

Polytunality: The Untapped Potential of Composing with Tuning Systems
Abstract:
In songwriting and musical composition, the system of tuning used is often treated as 
an a priori element, its utility predetermined before any actual note is put to paper. While this 
works to streamline the compositional process, there are an infinite number of unexplored 
microtonal note relationships that can lead to a trove of new sounds for artists to use. This 
concept can be referred to as “Polytunality,” in which a piece of music contains multiple tuning 
systems, acting simultaneously. 
While no two tuning systems are identical, they can be sorted into categories that 
designate them based on their function, their origin, or their construction. “Just” systems are 
derived from different equations used to solve for note value relationships (for example, fifths 
are often designated as having a 3:2 relationship with their tonics). “Equally-Temperamental” 
systems are mathematically devised, splitting an octave into a delineated number of equally spaced notes, while other “Temperamental” systems (“Well-” and “Linear-”) take flaws of other 
systems and alter them to fit octaves. “Non-Octaval” systems explore operating outside the 
bounds of a traditional octave structure, refusing to repeat at the 2:1 expected relationship and 
instead continuing with new notes. And finally, “Ethnomusicological” systems are ones that have 
been culturally created and are used in specific contexts. 
“Polytunality” is the concept of using these systems against one another. While work has 
been done to compose music in various tuning systems, there is still work to be done in the 
application of multiple systems working together simultaneously. For example, what qualities 
arise out of a duet when one voice is in 13-tone equal temperament and the other is using 5-limit 
just intonation? This paper is a study looking at the beginnings of this research, as well as what 
work has already been done in this field.
About the speaker:
Hayden Kline is a composer originally hailing from Brooklyn, New York. He has 
received degrees from Yale University (2018), New York University (2020), and Trinity College 
Dublin (2022). He has worked as a composer for both film and stage, scoring features such as 
Scavenger (2023) and In Contrast (2021), and Cailíní (Lyric Theatre Belfast, 2024). Most 
recently, he composed the music for Ghosted!, an original musical that premiered at the 
Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2025. He also works as a music director for students of all ages, 
from children in primary school to an adult choir to musicals here at Trinity. His interest in 
tuning systems comes from a fascination with exploring beyond traditional music theory and 
uncovering the secrets of the notes between notes.

This event is run in accordance with Trinity’s Dignity and Respect policy, and its commitment to nurturing a respectful and inclusive research culture.
Please indicate if you have any access requirements, such as ISL/English interpreting, so that we can facilitate you in attending this event. Contact: klineh@tcd.ie