Music, architecture and acoustics in Renaissance Venice: Recreating lost soundscapes

• 1.00pm – 2.00pm on 21 October 2011
• at The Royal Society, London

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Professor Malcolm Longair FRS

During the Renaissance in Venice, composers such as the Gabrieli and Moneverdi created some of their greatest masterpieces for performance in the great churches on festive occasions. But what would the music have sounded like, given its complexity and the long reverberation times of the large churches? These issues have been addressed in an interdisciplinary project involving musicologists, architectural historians, acousticians and physicists. Using the most up-to-date technology, virtual acoustic models have been created for four of the great Venetian churches, including the Basillica of San Marco. The music composed for these churches can then be simulated as it would have been heard on the great festive occasions. Many animations and simulations will be demonstrated showing how modern techniques can address issues in musicological and architectural history. 

The lecture is free and all are welcome to attend, but advance booking is necessary. Reserve a place at this lecture.

* Please note there is now limited availability at this lecture. If you are unable to reserve a place but would like to add your name to a waiting list please contact Felicity Henderson (02074512597).