Water and air He for the Tenor chose, Earth made the Base…
“Water and air He for the Tenor chose, Earth made the Base, the Treble Fame arose, To th' active Moon a quick brisk stroke he gave, To Saturn's string a touch more sore and grave. The motions strait, and round, and swift, and slow, And short and long, were mixt and woven so, Did in such artful Figures smoothly fall, As made this decent measur'd dance of all. And this is Musick.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote likens musical elements to celestial bodies, describing how varied sounds combine into a harmonious whole.
In simple terms: Music is compared to the cosmos, showing how different parts create harmony.
Key Takeaway
Appreciate the complexity behind simple melodies.
Themes
music
harmony
creativity
cosmos
Mood
inspired
reflective
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- composing music
- orchestrating ensembles
- educational lectures on music theory
Key Concepts
artistic expression
interconnectedness
balance
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this metaphor change your listening experience?
- Can you hear the 'celestial' elements in everyday sounds?