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 of 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.
