The Shakespeare Herald

Introducing Paul Faber, ISE Music Editor

Many of Shakespeareʼs plays include music, ranging from lyrics to cues for music. Figuring out what constitutes “music” is a challenge, especially since some songs are represented only by lines or snatches of popular songs.  Recognizing the need to support our editors as they identify and comment on music in ISE texts, we have created a new position: the ISE Music Editor. Weʼre delighted to announce that Dr. Paul L. Faber will be taking on this new role. Dr. Faber is an expert in identifying what he calls “song events.” Currently a Visiting scholar at the University of Victoria, Dr. Faber recently defended his doctoral dissertation, Popular Song in Early Modern Drama 1580-1620, at the University of Leeds, UK. He is currently conducting research for his first monograph, Song in the English Drama, as well as developing a major digital resource, The Digital Companion to Music in the English Drama. He has published essays in the Ben Jonson Journal and Early Theatre. Dr. Faber has also enjoyed a successful career as professional musician, supporting some of Canadaʼs top recording acts for over a decade. His website can be found at www.paulfaber.com.

In addition to supporting ISE editors, Dr. Faber will oversee the ISEʼs acquisition and curation of audio files, sheet music, data about early modern music, and subsequent musical settings for productions. Dr. Faber notes (pun intended) that the ISE site already includes a rich variety of musical materials. We look forward to working with him as we develop this part of the ISEʼs resources. 

(By Janelle Jenstad, Assistant Coordinating Editor)