The remarkable story of musical notation
Helen Deeming
Ever since the idea of Middle Ages captured Romantic imagination in 19th century, its musical notation has proved an object fascination for scholars and performers. From riddles posed by puzzle notations Ars Subtilior right back to very origins Western notation, shrouded uncertainty, topic yielded plenty keep scholarly pens motion, appeal shows no signs waning. L'image musique is a rich contribution centred upon 53 full-colour plates that illustrate dazzling array familiar unfamiliar medieval music manuscripts. To those who read French, Olivier Cullin's book eminently accessible, with few footnotes glossary palaeographic terminology. The text serves student non-specialist reader particularly well. Even whom language might present barrier, volume may be useful: like Musikgeschichte Bildern series, illustrations themselves can, little guidance, speak eloquently ‘the remarkable story notation’ (p.9).
Early Music