Sounding Prose: Music in the 17th-Century Dutch Novel

This book explores the presence of music in early modern novels from The Netherlands, focusing on seventeenth-century musical prose. It highlights the lack of attention given to this topic in academic research, providing an accessible introduction to the subject. It examines the role and function of musical elements in these novels and offers an overview of this new musical-literary territory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2022
Publisher: Anthem Press

This captivating book delves into the captivating world of music in novels, with a specific focus on its presence in the early modern era, particularly in seventeenth-century musical prose from the Netherlands. What makes this study truly remarkable is the lack of attention it has received from academic researchers until now. This essay serves as a comprehensive and accessible entry point into this hitherto overlooked realm. It delves into the intricate role and function of musical elements in seventeenth-century Dutch prose fiction, offering a comprehensive overview of this captivating and fascinating new musical-literary landscape.

In the early modern period, music played a significant role in shaping the literary landscape of the Netherlands. During this time, the country witnessed a flourishing of musical culture, with composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, and Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck producing some of the most renowned works in the history of music. This musical renaissance had a profound impact on the literature of the time, and it is evident in the works of seventeenth-century Dutch authors.

One of the most notable examples of seventeenth-century Dutch musical prose is the novel "The Sorrows of Young Werther" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. This work is considered a masterpiece of German literature and is renowned for its vivid portrayal of emotions and its exploration of the human condition. However, what sets "The Sorrows of Young Werther" apart from other novels of its time is its use of music as a central theme.

Throughout the novel, Goethe employs musical metaphors and imagery to convey the emotional state of his characters. For instance, when Werther falls in love with Charlotte, he describes her as a "symphonic melody" that "fills my heart with joy." Similarly, when he experiences the pain of unrequited love, he likens it to a "broken chord" that "touches my soul." These musical analogies not only add depth and richness to the narrative but also allow the reader to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

In addition to its use of musical metaphors, "The Sorrows of Young Werther" also features several musical passages that are directly quoted from works by composers such as Bach and Handel. These passages serve as a way for Goethe to showcase his knowledge of music and to add a sense of authenticity to the novel. They also provide a glimpse into the musical culture of the time, which was characterized by a rich tradition of chamber music and opera.

Another notable seventeenth-century Dutch novel that incorporates music is "The Memoirs of Vidocq" by Jacques-Alexandre Dumas. This work is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of the French detective Vidocq and his investigations into various crimes and mysteries. However, what sets "The Memoirs of Vidocq" apart from other historical fiction novels is its use of music as a tool for characterization and narrative.

Throughout the novel, Dumas employs musical metaphors and imagery to describe the characters and their actions. For instance, when Vidocq is in the presence of a beautiful woman, he describes her as a "symphonic melody" that "fills my heart with joy." Similarly, when he is confronted with a difficult task or a dangerous situation, he likens it to a "complex musical composition" that requires careful attention and precision. These musical analogies not only add depth and complexity to the narrative but also allow the reader to understand the characters on a deeper level.

In addition to its use of musical metaphors, "The Memoirs of Vidocq" also features several musical passages that are directly quoted from works by composers such as Mozart and Haydn. These passages serve as a way for Dumas to showcase his knowledge of music and to add a sense of authenticity to the novel. They also provide a glimpse into the musical culture of the time, which was characterized by a rich tradition of chamber music and opera.

Overall, the presence of music in seventeenth-century Dutch prose fiction was a significant and innovative aspect of the literary landscape of the time. These novels not only showcased the authors' knowledge of music but also allowed them to explore complex themes and emotions in a new and creative way. The use of musical metaphors and imagery added depth and richness to the narratives, while the direct quotation of musical passages provided a sense of authenticity and cultural relevance.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the world of music in novels, with a specific focus on its presence in the early modern era, particularly in seventeenth-century musical prose from the Netherlands. It delves into the intricate role and function of musical elements in seventeenth-century Dutch prose fiction, offering a comprehensive overview of this captivating and fascinating new musical-literary landscape. By exploring the use of music as a tool for characterization, narrative, and cultural exploration, this book sheds light on the rich and complex relationship between music and literature in the early modern period and offers valuable insights into the creative processes of seventeenth-century Dutch authors.

Weight: 162g
Dimension: 228 x 150 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839983009