La musique et ses pouvoirs dans l'Hypnerotomachia Poliphili (1499)

In Colonna’s dream-novel, an unearthly song initiates an altered state of consciousness in the protagonist. He finds himself in a pagan fantasy world ruled by Cupid and Venus, in which every situation has its appropriate musical accompaniment. Instruments, ensembles, and their effects on soul and body are described with unusual fullness. Music thus serves as an adjunct to theurgy, putting man in communication with the gods, and as a manifestation of divine harmony or Love.