To many the practice of alchemy is merely the misguided medieval attempt to turn base metals into gold. Today it’s recognized as both a form of philosophy and as the forerunner of modern inorganic chemistry. However, many remain unaware of this alternative discipline’s ties to one of the first multimedia productions ever created.
In 1617, Renaissance scientist and alchemist Michael Maier created Atalanta Fugiens. This unique publication is made up of 50 sections, each represented by an engraved emblem with an associated verse and epigram, along with a short explanation of its alchemical symbolism. Each section also includes a short musical canon composed by Maier.
Maier attempted to imbue the work with his pursuit of alchemy, which he saw as a “highly sophisticated system which dealt with a quest for spiritual transformation and awareness through the application of the universal processes of nature on all conceivable levels—physical, psychological and spiritual.”
This week, two ensembles perform Fugiens musical pieces as part of Mount Holyoke’s hosting of the traveling Harry Potter World Exhibition.
Jan. 31, 2 p.m., Abbey Chapel at Mount Holyoke College, 50 College St., South Hadley, (413) 538-2000, www.mtholyoke.edu; Feb. 7, 2 p.m., UMass Renaissance Center, 650 East Pleasant St., Amherst, (413) 577-3600, www.umass.edu.
