Early Modern Musical Innovation: The Hidden History of Olbrycht Górecki (Mini-Monographs in Medieval and Early Modern Studies, 8)

Explore the extraordinary life and turbulent times of Olbrycht Górecki (c. 1621–c. 1684)―Polish–Lithuanian nobleman, soldier, Calvinist, polyglot and inventor of “lute strings covered with sylver wyer.” A key catalyst in a line of musical instrument innovations over the last five hundred years, Górecki’s strings contributed to profound shifts in musical culture, affecting music from Mozart to Metallica. Part of the “Republic of Letters,” Górecki moved in the same intellectual circles as Robert Boyle and other founding members of The Royal Society. Follow Górecki as he traverses the key events and cultural movements of his time, finding fresh inspiration on his path to innovation.

Emily Peppers, Ph.D., is a musicologist, cultural heritage professional and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow (Institute of Musicology, University of Warsaw). Her research explores intersections between music, cultural transfer, music iconography, material culture, the history of ideas and inclusive digital innovation.