Foreword.- Preface.- ToC.- Introduction.- The Universe Born of Sound.- Everything Is Number. Pythagoras and the Pythagoreans.- The Music of the Spheres in Kepler’s Cosmos.- Musicians and Scientists.- From Newton to Einstein.- The Music of the Cosmos.- The Universe Is Teeming with Music.- Songs of the Space Race.- Space, the Music of the Spheres, and Movies.- Close Encounters of the Third Kind.- Conclusion.- Appendix.- Index of names.
Maurizio Agrò graduated in classical guitar. He obtained a degree in DAMS, specializing in Musicology, from the University of Turin, and a degree in Geophysics, with a focus on Astrophysics, from the University of Catania. He has held positions as a professor at the University of L'Aquila, professor of Mathematical Analysis for LEMS (Laboratory of Experimental Musical Electroacoustics) at Pesaro Conservatory, and professor at Teramo Conservatory. Additionally, he has lectured in Musicology at the Conservatorio Superior de Musica in Malaga (Spain) and conducted a Masterclass at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV).
He received a special mention from the Accademia dei Lincei for his work in Musicology. Agrò has delivered two conferences on "Music of the Spheres: Relations between Music and the Cosmos" for the Catania Astrophysical Observatory (INAF) and has presented numerous seminars at Italian universities. He has also contributed to the production of the program "Tommaso: il piacere di ragionare", conducted by Antonio Lubrano and directed by Andrea Dorigo, for RAI Educational. Furthermore, he has participated in the production of the radio program "Al Microfono" for Radio Tre RAI, under the supervision of Nicola Campogrande.
Agrò is the author of several publications, including the books: "Francesco Paolo Neglia, nella vita e nell'arte" (Firenze Atheneum, 2004), " L'antico Egitto e la musica" (Ananke, 2008), "Mentre la TV diceva... Mentre la TV cantava" (Parisi, 2004); and the essays: "Storia dell'Acustica," "La musica elettronica in Europa," "La musica elettronica in Italia" and others for the magazine Rassegna Musicale Curci (Milan).
His works have been featured in prominent newspapers such as L'Avvenire, La Repubblica, La Stampa, Suonare News, La Sicilia, as well as on radio channels including Radio 24, Rai Radio 1, Rai Radio 2, Rai Radio 3, and Deutschland Radio Kultur.
This book explores the profound and ancient relationship between music and astronomy. Throughout history, Music has occupied a significant place among the disciplines of the Quadrivium, which also include Geometry, Arithmetic, and Astronomy. The captivating bond between these two realms has not only inspired eminent scientists like Kepler, Newton, and Einstein, but has also captured the imagination of NASA and astronauts in modern times.
The author delves into various aspects of the intersection between music and astronomy, encompassing everything from ancient cosmological beliefs to groundbreaking discoveries such as the cosmic background radiation and gravitational waves. This enthralling theme has not only stimulated renowned artists like David Bowie and Elton John, but has also served as a muse for movies like Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Within the book, readers will find an extensive photo gallery and a specially curated soundtrack that enhances the reading experience. It caters to a broad audience, appealing to those with a general interest in both music and astronomy, as well as to specialized individuals in either field of study.
