The musical universe of Athanasius Kircher
Athanasius Kircher, a 17th-century German Jesuit scholar, epitomises intellectual curiosity and exploration.
His pioneering work on music, blending ancient philosophical wisdom with an inquisitive and integrative approach, establishes him as a key figure in the early development of musicology and ethnomusicology.
Kircher’s engagement with music is deeply rooted in the mathematical principles laid down by philosophers like Pythagoras. These principles, exploring harmonic ratios and the concept of ‘music of the spheres’, lay the groundwork for understanding music’s mathematical structure. Kircher builds upon these ideas, creating a bridge between ancient philosophy and the exploratory thought of his time.
Music in the natural world #
In Musurgia Universalis, Kircher explores the complex patterns and structures of birdsong, drawing parallels to human musical compositions.
This early recognition of the similarities between birdsong and human music predates modern studies in bioacoustics and ethology, which confirm that both share many characteristics such as rhythm and thematic development.
Kircher’s observations on birdsong testify to his understanding of music as a universal phenomenon. He views these natural expressions of music as embodying a holistic perspective, where sound and rhythm are fundamental aspects of life.
Modern studies of birdsong, resonating with Kircher’s early observations, offer profound insights into the related cognitive processes in both humans and animals. These studies highlight the profound relationship that exists between all forms of life through the shared language of sound and rhythm.
Music as a healing force #
Before delving into the complexities of birdsong, Kircher’s exploration in Magnes sive de Arte Magnetica takes us from the natural world to human culture, specifically through the study of tarantism.
In this earlier work, he investigates the belief that music and dance, notably the tarantella, can cure the venomous bite of a tarantula. This inquiry represents one of Kircher’s early scientific attempts to understand the relationship between music, psychology, and physiology.
His insights into tarantism underscore the cultural and therapeutic dimensions of the tarantella, marking it as one of the earliest instances where music is linked to healing.
Kircher’s foresight in recognising music’s healing potential resonates in modern therapeutic practices, where music effectively treats various psychological and physiological conditions. The profound impact of music therapy on dementia patients, helping them reconnect with lost memories, exemplifies the lasting power of music as a therapeutic tool.
Moreover, Kircher’s work foreshadows the principles of what we now recognise as ethnomusicology. He understands the cultural context of music, establishing a foundational perspective on its societal role. His observations emphasise the significance of cultural and social factors in music studies, illustrating his comprehensive approach to musical inquiry.
Kircher’s legacy, a testament to the enduring power of music, challenges and inspires us to see music as a universal language that speaks to the interconnectedness of all life.