Medieval Musical Sorcery – Talk & Soirée

In this in-person talk at Treadwell's, musician Muco uncovers the world of musical sorcery in the medieval period.

Muco begins by discussing interpretations of the story of legendary musician Orpheus. He then explores the concepts of ‘music of the spheres’ – the idea of a mathematical connection between music and the cosmic order – and the healing benefits of 'celestial music'. Next, he delves into monastic chanting, the role of the harp and how music and poetry were used by bards as a gateway to the 'otherworld'. Finally, he outlines the explicit links between music, sorcery and alchemy in the early Renaissance, examining the views of philsophers like Marsilio Ficino. As usual, a Q&A follows the talk, with complimentary drinks and informal discussion afterwards.

Muco (he/him) is a singer, composer, writer and speaker, specialising in the interpretation of medieval folk song and texts in Middle and Old English. His creative…