The (or ) is a treatise on music theory by Juan Gil de Zamora, a polymath in the literary circle around King Alfonso X of Castile. It has been dated to as early as the 1250s or as late as the period 1296âÂÂ1304. It is the only surviving work of music theory from medieval Castile.
The was written in Latin, which may indicate that Gil intended to reach an international audience. It is dedicated to a certain John, either John of Parma or the Italian Franciscan Giovanni Mincio da Morrovalle. It is divided into a prologue and 17 chapters. The first two chapters deal with the origins of music and its emotional effects. In the following chapter, Gil integrates the ideas of Guido of Arezzo, John of Afflighem and Boethius. The final chapter is devoted to musical instruments, and relies heavily on the work of Bartholomaeus Anglicus. Gil held that of all instruments only the organ was appropriate to church services.
Gil's list of instruments is the 's most unique and commented upon contribution to medieval music theory. Following al-Farabi, he distinguishes between natural or living instruments (i.e., the human voice) and artificial or dead instruments. After quoting from the Book of DanielâÂÂ"when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble" (3:4âÂÂ5, NRSVue)âÂÂhe proceeds to describe a series of instruments, some developed since Daniel's time. Among these instruments are:
The most important manuscript of the and the basis for modern editions is Arch. Cap. S. Pietro. H.29 in the Vatican Library. It is a copy of the 14th century. The text of the was printed by Martin Gerbert in 1784. It has been translated into French and Spanish.