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Mozart's Attic: Praetorius' collection dedicated to the Greek muse Terpsichore

Terpsichore, Muse of Music and ballet, an oil on canvas painting by Jean-Marc Nattier (1739).
Wikipedia
Terpsichore, Muse of Music and ballet, an oil on canvas painting by Jean-Marc Nattier (1739).

Michael Praetorius was a Renaissance church and court musician, but he apparently had a fun side to him collecting dance music — mostly Italian — and publishing a compilation of 300 of those pieces in a 1612 compendium dedicated to the old Greek muse, Terpsichore.

The collection is a treasure trove for ancient instrument ensembles, and we’ll spend an hour with Mr. Praetorius this Sunday.

Originally from central Massachusetts, Jay has called the Space Coast home for more than 30 years. He began his association with WFIT in the late '90s as a dumpster diver for office furniture in response to a broadcast plea for a new chair from a frustrated disc jockey. (WFIT has come a long way since.)