Secret Lore of Music: The Hidden Power of Orpheus (New of Music Explained as Science and Art)
✍️ Fabre D'Olivet, Joscelyn GodwinCurrently unavailable
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Fabre d'Olivet's profound work revitalizes the understanding of music as a sacred art, not merely an entertainment. Drawing deeply from the Pythagorean tradition, he asserts that musical principles mirror the very structure of the universe. This essential text challenges contemporary trivializations of music, advocating for a return to its spiritual roots as seen in ancient China, Egypt, and Greece. D'Olivet unveils music's intimate connection to humanity's destiny, offering a compelling reevaluation of its true nature and purpose, making it a crucial read for those seeking deeper esoteric insights.
📝 Description: Secret Lore of Music: The Hidden Power of Orpheus (New of Music Explained as Science and Art)
📑 What's inside
- The Secret Lore of Music
- The Hidden Power of Orpheus
- Introduction by Joscelyn Godwin
- Bibliographical Note
- Preface by Jean Pinasseau
- 1 The Ideas of the Ancients on Music
- 2 The True Cause of the Moral Effects of Music
- 3 Why the Principles of Music Have Remained Unknown; Vicissitudes of This Science;
- Origin of the Modern System
- 4 The Origin of Music
- 5 Etymology of the Word "Music"; Number Considered as Musical Principle
- 6 Survey of Sacred Music
- 7 Survey of Celestial Music
- 8 The Musical System of the Chinese
- 9 The Musical System of the Greeks
- 10 The Musical System of the Eastern Christians
- 11 Definition of Melody; How It Is Produced and Modified
- 12 Advice to Young Composers Concerning Imitation in Music
💎 Expert review
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers seeking to transcend the superficial entertainment value of sound will find profound nourishment here. This book is essential for those who suspect that music holds a vital key to human destiny and cosmic harmony. If you feel that modern culture has lost sight of music’s sacred role, this text offers a compelling reevaluation of its true nature. It serves as a crucial guide for anyone eager to uncover the hidden power that transforms both the soul and the cosmos through ancient scientific and artistic principles.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
Fabre d'Olivet presents a rigorous defense of music as a science and sacred art, deeply rooted in Pythagorean thought. While intellectually stimulating for those committed to esoteric studies, this volume may frustrate casual readers expecting light entertainment or simple aesthetic appreciation. It does not suit those uninterested in the structural mirroring of the universe or the spiritual destiny tied to acoustic principles. The dense philosophical approach demands patience, making it less accessible to those seeking immediate musical pleasure rather than deep metaphysical insight into the hidden powers of Orpheus.
❓ Frequently asked questions
📖 Who should read this
If you are drawn to the esoteric roots of Western thought, curious about the hidden dimensions of sound, or feel that modern music has lost its soul, this profound work is for you. Seekers of ancient wisdom and cosmic harmony will find d'Olivet's insights invaluable.
🎯 Key themes and symbolism
Music's Sacred Heritage
D'Olivet resurrects the ancient concept of music as a divine science, tracing its lineage from Pythagoras through various esoteric traditions. He demonstrates how sound was once understood as a spiritual force, capable of profound soul transformation, rather than just an aesthetic experience. This theme emphasizes music's original role in connecting humanity to the divine.
Cosmic Harmony Revealed
This book posits that music is intrinsically linked to the fundamental laws governing the universe itself. D'Olivet explores how the same principles that orchestrate celestial mechanics also underpin musical harmony, suggesting that understanding music unlocks insights into cosmic order and humanity's place within it. It's a profound look at the macrocosm and microcosm.
Reclaiming Musical Purpose
Critiquing the perceived decline of music into mere amusement during his era, D'Olivet passionately advocates for a reawakening of its spiritual and transformative potential. He urges readers to reconsider music's true purpose, guiding them towards an appreciation of its ancient power to influence human destiny and consciousness, as understood by ancient civilizations.
📜 Historical context
📚 Glossary
- Hermeticism
- Pythagoreanism
- Theosophy
📔 Questions to reflect on
- How might a shift in our understanding of music's purpose influence the music we create or consume today?
- Consider a piece of music that has profoundly moved you. How does D'Olivet's concept of 'cosmic harmony' resonate with that experience?
- If music is intimately connected with the destiny of mankind, what does the current state of popular music suggest about our collective trajectory?
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