The Music of the Spheres

By Jamie James

Subjects: Science, Music and science, Science, philosophy, Music, philosophy and aesthetics, Music, Harmony of the spheres, New York Times reviewed, Philosophy and aesthetics, Philosophy

Description: This book provides the parallel histories of music and science, from celestial harmony to cosmic dissonance. For centuries, scientists and philosophers believed the universe was a stately, ordered mechanism -- mathematical and musical. The smooth operation of the cosmos created a divine harmony (perfect, spiritual, eternal) which composers sought to capture and express. With The Music of the Spheres, readers will see how this scientific philosophy emerged, how it was shattered by changing views of the universe and the rise of Romanticism, and to what extent (if at all) it survives today. From Pythagoras to Newton, Bach to Beethoven, and on into the twentieth century, it is a spellbinding examination of the interwoven fates of science and music throughout history. - Back cover.