Knowledge Building in Early Modern English Music

Knowledge Building in Early Modern English Music explores the role of music and musical culture in the development of metaphysical thought in late sixteenth- and early seventeenth-century England, challenging prevailing narratives that overlook music's significant contribution to this period. The book demonstrates how recreational song such as the English madrigal confronted assumptions about reality and representation and the role of dialogue in cultural production, contributing to changes in how knowledge was built.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Knowledge Building in Early Modern English Music is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration into the profound influence of music and musical culture on the development of metaphysical thought in late sixteenth- and early seventeenth-century England. This insightful book delves into the ways in which music posed thought-provoking questions about the intricate connections between the mind, body, passions, and the soul, offering illustrative examples of domestic music that explicitly address themes of human consciousness, including dreams, love, and sensory experiences.

Contrary to prevailing narratives, the author of this work demonstrates why music-making went beyond mere reflection of impending changes in philosophical thought and actively contributed to the formation of this transformative era. By focusing on the works of John Dowland, Martin Peerson, Thomas Weelkes, and William Byrd, this study offers a revisionist perspective on history, shedding light on the experiential aspects of music and its profound impact on shaping early modern awareness.

Through a meticulous examination of these composers' musical compositions, the author uncovers the ways in which music challenged assumptions about reality, representation, and the role of dialogue in cultural production. Moreover, the study explores other ideas closely intertwined with changes in the construction of knowledge during this pivotal period, shedding light on the multifaceted ways in which music shaped the intellectual landscape of early modern England.

In conclusion, Knowledge Building in Early Modern English Music is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the role of music and musical culture in the development of metaphysical thought in late sixteenth- and early seventeenth-century England. By delving into the experiential dimensions of music and its profound impact on shaping early modern awareness, this book contributes to our understanding of the complex interplay between music, philosophy, and cultural change in this historical era.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367519728