Musicology Collection

Frances Densmore, US anthropologist
Frances Densmore (left, 1867-1957), US ethnologist, using a phonograph (left) to record the voice and stories of Mountain Chief, a Native American from the Piegan tribe

Harmonious hand, 17th century artwork. This depiction of the harmonious hand shows musical scales and staves, with notes shown at each joint

Antonio Eximeno Pujades, from Enciclopedia Ilustrada Segui, c.1900
3432455 Antonio Eximeno Pujades, from Enciclopedia Ilustrada Segui, c.1900; Private Collection; (add.info.: Antonio Eximeno Pujades, 1729-1808)

Harmony of the Birth of the World (Harmonia Nascentis Mundi)
473609 Harmony of the Birth of the World (Harmonia Nascentis Mundi), illustration from Musurgia Universalis, Vol.2, fol.366, by Athanasius Kircher, published in Rome

Device for listening to conversation in a piazza, illustration from
CHT163695 Device for listening to conversation in a piazza, illustration from Musurgia Universalis by Athanasius Kircher (1601-80) published in Rome, 1650 (engraving) by Italian School

MUSICAL SCALE, 1492. Pythagoras playing the musical scale on bells and water glasses. Woodcut from Franchinus Gaffurius Theorica Musicae, Milan, 1492

AGUILAR, Gaspar de (1561-1623). Poet and playwright
" AGUILAR, Gaspar de (1561-1623). Poet and playwright. Arte de principios de canto llano" (Plainsong art). Early 16th century. Religious music treatise

Giovanni Battista Doni, Italian musicologist
Giovanni Battista Doni (1594-1647), Italian musicologist who studied ancient music. He changed the name of the tonic note Ut, renaming it Do after his own family name. Seen here at the age of 50

PYTHAGORAS: SCALES, 1492. Pythagoras playing the musical scale on bells and on water-glasses. Colored woodcut from Franchinus Gaffurius Theorica Musicae, Milan, 1492

Echo Formation, illustration from Musurgia Universalis, Vol II, fol. 264
XIR207681 Echo Formation, illustration from Musurgia Universalis, Vol II, fol.264, Iconismus XV, by Athanasius Kircher, first published in Rome in 1650 (engraving) by French School

PYTHAGORAS (c580-c500 B. C. ). Greek philosopher and mathematician
PYTHAGORAS (c580-c500 B.C.). Greek philosopher and mathematician. Pythagoras discovery of the dependence of the musical intervals on certain arithmetical ratios of lengths of strings at the same

Allegory of music, 16th century C017 / 6990
Allegory of music. 16th-century woodcut showing Lady Music (centre) as part of an allegory on music. At upper left is a composer (poeta). At upper right is Tubal, biblical blacksmith

Mozarts first composition, 1801
Mozarts first composition. 19th-century artwork of a five-year-old Mozart creating his first composition. Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was a musical prodigy

Musical notation and tables, 1823 C017 / 8069
Musical notation and tables, 19th century. At upper left are a set of musical scores, showing examples of musical notation and keys

METRONOME. Line engraving, 19th century

Universal harmony, 17th century artwork. This woodcut is from the book Harmonicorum (Paris, 1636) by the French theologian, philosopher and music theorist Marin Mersenne (1588-1648)

Carillon, 17th century artwork. Seated figure playing a musical instrument known as a carillon. This woodcut is from the book Harmonicorum (Paris, 1636) by the French theologian

Violin, 17th century artwork. Violin bows and diagrams of musical scales surround the violin. This woodcut is from the book Harmonicorum (Paris, 1636) by the French theologian

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"Exploring the Melodies of Time: Musicology Unveiled" Discover the enchanting world of musicology, where melodies intertwine with history and culture. Step into the footsteps of Frances Densmore, a pioneering US anthropologist who delved deep into indigenous music traditions. Behold the harmonious hand depicted in a mesmerizing 17th-century artwork, symbolizing the power of music to unite souls across time and space. Delve further into ancient wisdom as you encounter "Harmony of the Birth of the World (Harmonia Nascentis Mundi), " an awe-inspiring composition that transcends language barriers. Uncover secrets hidden within historical artifacts like Giovanni Battista Doni's device for listening to conversations in bustling piazzas—an ingenious invention that echoes our timeless desire to connect through sound. Journey back to 1492 when Pythagoras played musical scales on bells and water glasses—a testament to humanity's fascination with creating harmony from everyday objects. Gaspar de Aguilar, poet and playwright extraordinaire, weaves words together like notes on a staff, breathing life into musical tales. Witness Echo Formation come alive before your eyes through an illustration from Musurgia Universalis—where sound reverberates endlessly in its ethereal dance. Explore Pythagoras' profound contributions as both philosopher and mathematician, forever shaping our understanding of music's mathematical foundations. Immerse yourself in an allegory of music from the 16th century—a visual symphony depicting how this art form touches every aspect of human existence. And let us not forget Mozart's first composition in 1801—a glimpse into his prodigious talent that would revolutionize classical music forever. Join us on this captivating journey through centuries past as we unravel the mysteries behind melodies—the essence of what makes us human. Let musicology be your guide as you explore its rich tapestry woven by brilliant minds throughout history.