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Harmonious relations: quality transmission among composers in the very long run

Author

Listed:
  • Karol Jan Borowiecki
  • Nicholas Martin Ford
  • Maria Marchenko

Abstract

Most creative professionals develop and refine their talents by learning from others. In most empirical settings, estimating how this learning process fosters quality is challenging. This paper explores the transmission of quality among music composers over more than seven centuries. How does a composer’s quality influence the quality of the composers they teach? Using a unique dataset of 17,433 composers, we show a strong relationship between student and teacher quality. Moreover, this quality transmission persists across multiple generations. Our results provide new insights on drivers of creativity, as well as the influence of teachers on students’ achievements.

Suggested Citation

  • Karol Jan Borowiecki & Nicholas Martin Ford & Maria Marchenko, 2023. "Harmonious relations: quality transmission among composers in the very long run," European Review of Economic History, European Historical Economics Society, vol. 27(3), pages 454-476.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:ereveh:v:27:y:2023:i:3:p:454-476.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/ereh/head005
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    Cited by:

    1. Yuqing Song, 2024. "Valuing Collaboration in Art: Insights from Zhang Daqian's Network," Working Papers CEB 24-012, ULB -- Universite Libre de Bruxelles.
    2. Borowiecki, Karol Jan & Kristensen, Martin Hørlyk & Law, Marc T., 2025. "Where are the female composers? Human capital and gender inequality in music history," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).
    3. Karol Jan Borowiecki & Martin Hørlyk Kristensen & Marc T. Law, 2025. "What’s in a Name? Dynasties, Selection, and Talent Allocation Among Classical Composers," ACEI Working Paper Series AWP-03-2025, Association for Cultural Economics International.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • N30 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - General, International, or Comparative
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • Z11 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economics of the Arts and Literature

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