Measure: In Pursuit of Musical Time

The book "Measure: In Pursuit of Musical Time" explores the history of musical timekeeping, from the Renaissance to the present day, and the development of the metronome, a portable and affordable device that enabled musicians to establish and reproduce musical time with accuracy and ease.

Format: Hardback
Length: 342 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2022
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

The captivating journey of musical timekeeping, spanning from an era before the existence of external measuring devices to the modern-day utilization of smartphone apps, is intricately explored in this remarkable book. The narrative commences by delving into the artistic expressions and musical writings of the Renaissance, serving as valuable sources that shed light on our early comprehension of a time when music was intricately intertwined with bodily movements and the rhythmic pulsations of the human heart. As the adoption of the simple pendulum and the incorporation of tempo-related language took hold, musicians gained the ability to convey concepts of speed and slowness with remarkable precision.

The seventeenth and eighteenth centuries witnessed the emergence of a diverse range of musical time-keeping devices, each with its unique characteristics and functionalities. However, it was not until the nineteenth century that a single device emerged that seamlessly combined the critical elements of accuracy, functionality, and affordability. Enter the metronome: a portable and accessible marvel of innovation that revolutionized the way musicians established and replicated musical time. From Beethoven to Ligeti, Moskovitz examines the diverse range of composers who embraced or rejected this revolutionary machine, unraveling the intricate interplay between the metronome, the musical realm, and practitioners from other disciplines who sought to harness its potential.

Written in an engaging and accessible style, Measure: In Pursuit of Musical Time captivates both professionals and enthusiasts alike. It offers a profound exploration of the historical, cultural, and technological aspects of musical timekeeping, providing a comprehensive understanding of its evolution and significance. This book serves as a valuable resource for musicians, music scholars, historians, and anyone with an interest in the intricate relationship between music, time, and human expression.

Weight: 594g
Dimension: 147 x 224 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783276615