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Harmonie universelle

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Harmonie universelle, contenant la théorie et la pratique de la musique
Title page of Harmonie universelle
Title page
AuthorMarin Mersenne
LanguageFrench
Published1636
Publication placeKingdom of France
Pages800

Harmonie universelle ("Universal Harmony"; complete title: Harmonie universelle, contenant la théorie et la pratique de la musique) is a work by Marin Mersenne, published in Paris in 1636.[1][2] It represented the sum of musical knowledge during his lifetime.

This was a major work since it represented the most complete description of music theory near the middle of the 17th century in France. It covers all aspects including theoretical, practical, stylistic, organological, mathematical, acoustical, and theological.

Content

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The book covers topics including the nature of sounds, movements, consonance, dissonance, genres, modes of composition, voice, singing, and all kinds of harmonic instruments.[2][3] Unlike contemporary works on music theory, it also covers the construction of instruments and acoustic propagation.[4] This monumental treatise is abundant in illustrations (including musical engravings), and in systematic tables. It also remains the only source of certain musical works from Jacques Mauduit, Eustache Du Caurroy, Antoine de Sewn, or Pierre de La Barre in particular.

Editions

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Duhem, Pierre (6 December 2012). The Origins of Statics: The Sources of Physical Theory. Springer Science & Business Media. ISBN 978-94-011-3730-0.
  2. ^ a b MacClintock, Carol (1979). Readings in the History of Music in Performance. Indiana University Press. p. 152. ISBN 978-0-253-14495-9.
  3. ^ Schramm, Helmar; Schwarte, Ludger; Lazardzig, Jan (29 August 2014). Instruments in Art and Science: On the Architectonics of Cultural Boundaries in the 17th Century. Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG. ISBN 978-3-11-097191-0.
  4. ^ Lindmayr-Brandl, Andrea; McDonald, Grantley, eds. (4 May 2021). Early Printed Music and Material Culture in Central and Western Europe. Routledge. ISBN 9781000387087.