CHARTING BOETHIUS: MUSIC AND THE DIAGRAMMATIC TREE IN THE CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY’S DE INSTITUTIONE ARITHMETICA, MS II.3.12
Daniel Walden
Abstract This article discusses a full-page schematic diagram contained in twelfth-century manuscript of Boethius’ De institutione arithmetica and musica from Christ Church Cathedral, Canterbury (Cambridge University Library MS Ii.3.12), which has not yet been the subject any significant musicological study despite its remarkable scope comprehensiveness. diagrammatic tree, or arbor, maps precepts first book into unified whole, depicting ways music arithmetic are interrelated as sub-branches quadrivium. I suggest that this served only conceptual interpretative device for scribe working through complex theoretical material, but also mnemonic guide to assist medieval pedagogue wishing instruct students mathematics speculativa. The constitutes fully developed exercise own right, while demonstrating roles Boethian philosophy played musical scholarship.
Early Music History