When Musicology Goes Cultural: On Reviewing A Cultural History of Western Music in the Renaissance

The cultural turn that transformed the humanities in the late twentieth century has also impacted musicology, which, has produced significant works emphasizing music’s role in cultural history. The book under review is part of an effort to write a multi-volume cultural history of Western music. Focusing on the period from 1400 to 1650, it departs from the traditional composer-centric view, opting for a thematic approach to explore the period’s musical landscape, reflecting broader cultural contexts and shifts.