A wolf interval occurs in the circle of fifths in certain temperament schemes. It is dissonant in the face of harmony. It is the interval whose imperfection makes the other fifths perfect. Tradition holds that its discord sounds like a wolf howling.
Editorial Introduction - Volume 14
Welcome to Volume 14 of The Wolf Interval: A Multimodal Journal of Student Work at Juilliard. With each edition, we reaffirm our mission to celebrate the diversity of scholarly and creative voices that belong to our student community. This journal provides a platform for students to share their achievements across disciplines, reflecting a wide breadth of student talent as enabled by our curriculum.
This volume of The Wolf Interval demonstrates how poetry and other forms of expression offer channels for introspection and the creation of meaning. Polina Mankova’s “Poems for a New Life” brings her grandmother’s lost verses to life, showing the power of poetry to connect generations through translation. Gimena Sanchez Rivera’s essay on Dulce María Loynaz explores how the Cuban poet’s feminist poetics use the smallest of creatures as symbols of potential and transformation. Arayah Lyte’s “Poems and Prayers” evaluates the connections and differences between poetry and prayer in everyday life, while her poem “The Little Girl Dances” reminds us of the joys conjured by movement and verse.
The journal also features a range of academic and analytical prose that deepens our understanding of music and its cultural contexts. Peter Weng’s examination of Chinese folk song traditions, from both northern and southern regions, traces the evolution of ancient oral forms to contemporary realizations. Francesco Barfoed’s study of Rued Langgaard’s solo piano works explores the interplay between words and music: Langgaard’s use of poetic titles, false lyrics, and textual markings within his scores blur the boundaries between literary and musical art. Ellie Eunbi Baek’s analytical essay on early music education in South Korea examines how rigorous training and cultural values have propelled Korean classical musicians to global prominence, while also acknowledging the pressures and challenges that can accompany such a system. Her work prompts us to consider the importance of balancing discipline with creative freedom for sustainable artistic development.
The aforementioned entries are just a sampling of the outstanding achievements featured in this year’s volume. Together, these works exemplify how poetry and critical inquiry enrich our lives, offering ways to engage and learn in pursuit of deep understanding and meaning.
As always, the creation of The Wolf Interval is a collaborative endeavor. I extend my sincere thanks to all our contributors and I am especially grateful to Sarah Bobrow, whose dedication as co-editor and graphic designer has shaped this volume. Sarah is also due enormous thanks for digitizing back-issues 5 through 8. Her efforts ensure that our journal’s legacy is preserved and accessible to future audiences.
We hope this edition sparks conversation, reflection, and inspiration. Now, settle in and enjoy the creativity and dedication our students have poured into these pages.
in boca al lupo!
(into the wolf’s mouth!)
Robert Wilson
Coyote-in-Chief, 2025