The power of song

Abstract

An analysis of the prefaces of four songbooks printed in Antwerp between 1539 and1565 (Devout and Beneficial book, Souterliedekens, The first music book by Tielman Susato, and Wisdom of Jesus son of Sirach or Ecclesiastes by Jan Fruytiers), shows that in the sixteenth century song had a bad reputation. The subject matter of secular songs is condemned, and the medium of song is considered dangerous because it has a profound corporal influence and emotional impact. Classical and medieval thought explained the influence of music in terms of the concept of harmony. Modern research in the field of music cognition helps to explain these remarkable qualities of music and thus the particular power of song as a medium in times of controversy.