
A lively compendium that untangles the legends and realities of music, this volume gathers essays, tales, and scholarly notes that span centuries of sound. Readers will wander from the curious anecdotes of “diabolic music” and haunted instruments to thoughtful surveys of musical scales still in use today, while also encountering vivid portraits of historic figures such as Handel and his contemporary Johann Mattheson. The book balances entertaining folklore with rigorous fact‑checking, offering both the charm of old myths and the clarity of modern musicology.
Beyond the stories, the work provides practical insight into the evolution of musical practice, from early theoretical treatises to the role of music in medicine and everyday life. Its eclectic mix of “Royal Musicians,” folk legends, and analytical overviews makes it a treasure trove for anyone fascinated by how music shapes—and is shaped by—culture. Whether you’re a casual listener or a curious scholar, the pages promise a rich journey through the sounds and stories that have defined our musical heritage.
Language
en
Duration
~8 hours (463K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Veronika Redfern, Linda Cantoni, Bryan Ness and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) Music transcribed by Veronika Redfern.
Release date
2012-09-27
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
1818–1882
A 19th-century music writer and instrument collector, he explored how people made and understood music across different cultures and eras. His books helped bring musical history, folklore, and ancient instruments to a broad English-speaking audience.
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