^ The Mundane Monochord, inspired by Pythagoras' Music of the Spheres, is part of the work De Musica Mundana (1618) by Robert Fludd, a prominent English Paracelsian physician with both scientific and occult interests. In this book, he describes his theories of music and its relationship with the universe.

< The Mundane Monochord, inspired by Pythagoras' Music of the Spheres, is part of the work De Musica Mundana (1618) by Robert Fludd, a prominent English Paracelsian physician with both scientific and occult interests. In this book, he describes his theories of music and its relationship with the universe.

The ancient Greek philosophers, including Plato and Pythagoras, developed the idea of the Music of the Spheres. This very idea reverberated among musicians through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance and can be found even in the Quadrivium, the liberal arts education developed by medieval scholars.

"Combining the stars, the planets, and the music has a long tradition," Giorgio Sancristoforo explains, "it began with ancient Greece and continued up to the European 20th century with contemporary music composers. Many composers created music thinking of the Music of the Planets, such as Monteverdi, Gesualdo Da Venosa, Johan Sebastian Bach, and even Mozart, up to Schoenberg and then Stockhausen." According to Giorgio, all of the above had the same idea that the music of human beings is not but a reflection of the music of the universe.

To handcraft premium ancient replicas with a focus to the modern musician, you have to research a lot, analyze hundreds of ancient depictions, build a lot of prototypes, test them with great musicians, etc.

And all of these, to conclude to meaningful compromises that have to be made, that are both deeply justified and make sense in terms of usability/playability. All in all, our ultimate goal is to serve the modern musician, and to bring ancient artifacts back to life as fully functional musical instruments.

References

Koumartzis et al. (2015). A New Music Instrument from Ancient Times: Modern Reconstruction of the Greek Lyre of Hermes using 3D Laser Scanning, Advanced Computer Aided Design and Audio Analysis. Journal of New Music Research. 44. 324-346.

Maas, M. & McIntosh Snyder, J. (1989). Stringed Instruments of Ancient Greece, New Haven.

Various authors (2012). Greek Musical Instruments: Research in visual and written sources (2000 B.C. - 2000 A.D.), Teloglion  Foundation, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

West, M.L. (1992). Ancient Greek Music, Clarendon Press.

"The Koumartzis familia have been making replicas of ancient Greek instruments for many years, used by famous lyre players. They also contribute to their musical passions through research and collaborations." - Ancient History Encyclopedia. Read the extended tribute here.

"My ancient Kithara, handcrafted by Luthieros Music Instruments, is for me a very interesting challenge. As an instrument is both old and new. It carries a history of many centuries and at the same time_ it is a very modern challenge that requires a creative approach to musical archetypes. After many experiments […] I discover that this instrument has but many extensions and features that are not noticeable at first glance. The construction is both sturdy and thin, and made of quality woods, which are eclectic, stylish and durable." - Ross Daly, a professional world musician of Irish descent.

"Absolutely fantastic! A truly wonderfully crafted instrument. I can’t put it down. It feels wonderful to play and is transporting me back in time." - Sarah Tilsley, West Sussex, U.K. (verified review through Etsy.com).