The Not So Silent Planets: The Medieval and Renaissance Concept of Musica Mundana

Presenters

Amy E. Carmichael, Cedarville University

Type of Submission

Podium Presentation

Campus Venue

Dixon Ministry Center, Room 162

Location

Cedarville, OH

Start Date

4-10-2013 4:20 PM

End Date

4-10-2013 4:40 PM

Comments

Abstract:

The concept of muslca mundana does not hold as high a place in musicians' or philosophers' imaginations as it once did. While In the medieval and Renaissance periods this concept was considered worthy of study, now it is only briefly mentioned in music history classes around the world and only as an amusing musical fact. The objective of this presentation is to present the argument that musica mundana should be understood as a serious undertaking to explain the order of the universe In the medieval and Renaissance periods and how It should be understood today. To do this, we will look at the mindset of the medieval and Renaissance periods, the history of musica mundana, and its importance to contemporary musicians.

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