The Renaissance Reform of Medieval Music Theory

Guido of Arezzo Between Myth and History

By: Stefano Mengozzi

Write A Review

Paperback | 21 August 2014

At a Glance

Paperback
306 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
24.41 x 16.99 x 1.63

Paperback

$88.33

Aims to ship in 7 to 10 business days

Modern scholars have often portrayed the method of hexachordal solmization - the sight-singing method introduced by the 11th-century monk Guido of Arezzo - as the diatonic foundation of early music. Stefano Mengozzi challenges this view by examining a representative sample of the primary sources of solmization theory from Guido of Arezzo to Gioseffo Zarlino. These texts show that six-syllable solmization was only an option for sight-singing that never imposed its operational 'sixth-ness' onto the diatonic system, already grounded on the seven pitch letters. It was primarily through the agency of several 'classicizing' theorists of the humanist era that the six syllables came to be mistakenly conceived as a fundamental diatonic structure - a 'hexachord' built from the 'tetrachord' of the Ancient Greeks. The book will be of particular interest to readers seeking to deepen their knowledge of medieval and Renaissance musical thought with an eye to major intellectual trends of the time.

Industry Reviews

'While even musicologists familiar with the subject may find the history of musical theories in the first part of the text a challenge, the undaunted reader will find rewards in the later chapters.' Susan Forscher Weiss, The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University
'It is an ambitious, thought-provoking study of an important topic within a milieu that was full of controversy, transition, and renegotiation, brought to the fore here with much insight.' Nancy van Deusen, Renaissance Reform of Medieval Music Theory

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.