Secret Lore of Music

The Hidden Power of Orpheus

By (Author) Fabre d'Olivet
Translated by Joscelyn Godwin
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  • Edition: New Edition of Music Explained as Science and Art
  • Pages: 184
  • Book Size: 5.38 x 8.25
  • ISBN-13: 9780892816606
  • Imprint: Inner Traditions
  • On Sale Date: October 1, 1997
  • Format: Paperback Book
Written by Fabre d'Olivet (1767-1825), this classic study of music was the first to revive Pythagoras' ideas of the sacred nature of music and its profound effect on the soul. Godwin also provides a fascinating biography of d'Olivet.

Healing through Sound

Hermeticist Fabre d'Olivet's classic study of music as sacred art and its profound effects on the soul.

Ever since Pythagoras demonstrated the mathematical basis of music and its profound effect on the soul, the Western esoteric tradition has been deeply involved with the science and art of tone. Fabre d'Olivet (1767-1825) was the first to restate Pythagoras' ideas in modern terms, and to show the way for music to regain its spiritual heritage. He calls for a complete reevaluation of its nature and purpose. Fearless in his criticism of the trivialization of music in his own time, d'Olivet recalls its ancient glory in China, Egypt, and Greece. He shows that music is rooted in the same principles as the universe itself, and that it is intimately connected with the destiny of mankind. 

New edition of Music Explained as Science and Art.

A man of astonishing insights and strange revelations, Fabre d'Olivet is increasingly recognized as an essential link in the golden chain of Western theosophy, and as a prophetic figure with a message for our own age. 

The Secret Lore of Music
The Hidden Power of Orpheus 

Introduction by Joscelyn Godwin
Bibliographical Note
Preface by Jean Pinasseau
1 The Ideas of the Ancients on Music
2 The True Cause of the Moral Effects of Music
3 Why the Principles of Music Have Remained Unknown; Vicissitudes of This Science;
Origin of the Modern System
4 The Origin of Music
5 Etymology of the Word "Music"; Number Considered as Musical Principle
6 Survey of Sacred Music
7 Survey of Celestial Music
8 The Musical System of the Chinese
9 The Musical System of the Greeks
10 The Musical System of the Eastern Christians
11 Definition of Melody; How It Is Produced and Modified
12 Advice to Young Composers Concerning Imitation in Music
Appendixes:
A. Harmony Among the Greeks and Romans
B. The Origin of Notation and of Modern Music
C. The Music of the Phoenicians
D. The Music of the Egyptians
E. Brief Exposition of the Musical System
F. The Schism in the Universal Empire 
Index

Music scholar and author Joscelyn Godwin provides us with the first English translation of this work, as well as a fascinating biography of the man. Fabre d'Olivet (1767-1825) spent his life pursuing the esoteric wisdom concealed in the Hebrew scriptures, Greek philosophy, and the symbolism of ancient nations as far back as ancient Egypt. He wrote several books that are considered classics of the hermetic tradition, including Golden Verses of Pythagoras and The Hebrew Language Restored.