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Musicology Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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musicology

[หŒmjuหzษชหˆkษ’lษ™dส’i ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

study of music

Musicology is the scholarly analysis and research of music, encompassing various aspects such as history, theory, composition, and performance. It involves the examination of music in its cultural and social contexts, as well as the study of musical development and trends.

Synonyms

music history, musical studies.

Examples of usage

  • Her passion for musicology led her to pursue a career in academia.
  • The musicology department at the university offers courses on music history and analysis.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

History

  • The origins of musicology date back to the ancient Greeks, who analyzed music theory and its connections to mathematics.
  • In the 1800s, musicology began to divide into different fields: historical, systematic, and comparative musicology.
  • Notable figures like Guido of Arezzo contributed to music theory, paving the way for musicological studies.

Cultural Significance

  • Different cultures have unique musical traditions that reflect their social values and history.
  • Ethnomusicology is a branch of musicology focusing on music in cultural context, blending anthropology and musicology.
  • Music often serves as a form of identity, allowing individuals and communities to express themselves.

Technological Advances

  • The advent of technology, like sound recording, has transformed how music is studied and preserved.
  • Digital databases now help musicologists analyze vast collections of music and audio samples.
  • Software programs allow for the analysis of musical structure and the creation of new compositions.

Notable Figures

  • Leopold Stokowski was both a conductor and a musicologist, known for popularizing classical music.
  • Carl Dahlhaus was a prominent German musicologist who wrote extensively about musicโ€™s aesthetic and historical contexts.
  • Women like Susan McClary have brought new perspectives to musicology, analyzing gender dynamics in musical works.

Origin of 'musicology'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'mousike', meaning the art of the Muses, and 'logia', which means study or science.
  • It was first used in the 19th century to signify the academic study of music.
  • Combining art and science, it reflects how music influences and reflects society.

The term 'musicology' originated in the late 19th century and was initially used in German-speaking countries to describe the academic study of music. It has since evolved to encompass a broader range of disciplines within the field of music research, including ethnomusicology, music theory, and music history. Musicology plays a crucial role in understanding the cultural significance and impact of music throughout history.

See also: music, musical, musicality, musically, musician.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,165 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.