Alchemy & Music: Matter, Geometry & the Ascent of the Soul w/Brian Cotnoir

Alchemy and Music: Matter, Geometry, and the Ascent of the Soul is an exploration of these ideas through alchemical practice and worldview. Alchemy is the art and science of bringing something to its final perfection, this “something” may be matter such as lead, or it may be spiritual such as the soul. In all cases it is about transformation through engaging the world.

This course is an exploration of an alchemical approach in working with music as the prima materia in the process of ascent. We will examine music and harmonic concepts and practices through the lens of alchemical theory and practice.

All Classes Live, Via Zoom!

February 3rd -- Class 1 – Matter, Geometry, and the Cosmos

• Introduction – overview, scope, and limitations of the course
• Cosmology, Alchemy, Harmonics - Theories and World-view
• Pythagoras – Monochord
• Music of the Spheres I
• Quintillianus – Three Books On Music

February 10th -- Class 2 – Ascent of the Soul

• Neo-Platonic and Hermetic ideas of ascent
• Music of the Spheres II
• Janus and Hekate and the Orphic Hymns
• Alchemy as ascent through descent

February 17th -- Class 3 – Planets, Pitch, and Vowels

• Planets and Pitch – Systems of Designation
• Pitch and Vowels – The Correspondences
• Vowel Signing and Barbaric Words
• Marsilio Ficino – Music, Singing, Movement, and Alchemy
• Trance and Ecstasy
• Music/Sound as a Material Force

February 24th -- Class 4 – Performance and Some Speculations

• Atalanta Fugiens – Music, Text, and Meaning in alchemical discourse
• Claudio Monteverdi - Music as Emblem/Symbol
• Speculations on possibilities, production, and performance

Please note classes can be taken individually but the material from each class forms the basis for the next so it is recommended to complete the series in order. Each class will be recorded and shared with students for up to 2 weeks following each class.

Price: $25 per class (Online only)

Or $100 for all 4 (register on or before Feb. 3rd)

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. You will need to register before each class.

Brian Cotnoir is an alchemist, artist, and award-winning filmmaker. A contributor to Frater Albertus’ Parachemy, he is also the author of a series of Alchemy Zines. His books include r (2017), , , and the , his translations of and commentary on, the earliest Arabic and Latin versions of this seminal text. And most recently,.

He has presented workshops and seminars around the world on various aspects of alchemical theory and practice based on his research. His film work has been screened at Museum of Modern Art, Sundance Film Festival, HBO,PBS and other international venues.
Khepri Press, launched in 2014 with the publication of the Emerald Tablet, is the vehicle and portal for his alchemical work.

REFUND POLICIES

All sales are final. There are no refunds for PRS events , except in the event of a medical emergency, including but not limited to a positive COVID-19 test. Ticket exchanges may be granted on a case by case basis, pending circumstances.

In the event that PRS is forced to cancel an event entirely, tickets will be refunded or vouchers offered for a rescheduled event.

PRS EVENT POLICIES

• We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
• Events are subject to change without notice, including guest speakers and/or performers.
• We encourage you to arrive at least 30 min. before the scheduled event start time to find parking, enjoy the Bookstore and take your seats.
• Please turn off all mobile devices before the show. Talking and texting are not allowed during the events.
• No filming, audio recording or mobile phone recording of events, screenings, concerts or other programs by audience members is allowed without permission.
• There is no smoking permitted on PRS grounds.
• We strongly encourage guests to wear masks to PRS events to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
• PRS allows Service Animals into the facility under ADA and state guidelines. For further details please visit www.ADA.gov. No animals permitted whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support, under ADA guidelines and CA Health Code.
• Please do not bring outside food or drink into PRS events.
• Weapons are strictly prohibited at PRS events.

Host or Publisher The Philosophical Research Society