Francesco Giorgi and The Harmony of the World with Andrew Baker (2 Sessions)

But there are symphonies which are no less signs of heaven, such as those (as Plato tells) are presided over by the various Syrens, who are said to be singers to God, who, placed in the firmament, make its influences harmonious. (De harmonia mundi, Francesco Giorgi)

In The Occult Philosophy in the Elizabethan Age Frances Yates famously suggests that Shakespeare’s great speech on the harmony of the spheres in The Merchant of Venice was inspired by De harmonia mundi (The Harmony of the World), a monumental work by the Venetian Friar Francesco Giorgi.

In this 2-session course Andrew Baker will introduce Giorgi’s extraordinary book in the light of recent research on its principal themes, including music, astrology, Cabala and imagination, and look again at the possible influence of the work in Elizabethan England and beyond.

Andrew Baker is a retired librarian, a composer and historical researcher. He has spent many years investigating Thomas Anson of Shugborough Hall, Staffordshire, and his influence on the 18th century Greek Revival in the Arts. This has led him the rediscovery of Anson’s friend, the composer Antonin Kammell, and to the philosopher Floyer Sydenham. In his compositions Andrew explores the language of music, and he explores the Spirit of Place in films with music.

This is a 2-session Zoom course – Fee £20

Sessions:
Tuesday 10th May 19.00-20.15
Tuesday 17th May 19.00-20.15

You may sign up at any point during the course. You will receive a link to join future Zoom sessions and recordings of any sessions that you miss.

Image: Melencolia I, Albrecht Dürer, 1514