The Power of Music: An Excerpt of The Musical Pigeon

Thank you for reading another one of our novel excerpts from the novel “The Power of Music.” Below we have an excerpt from The Musical Pigeon.

Introduction To The Novel Itself

Get ready to be amazed as we explore the incredible power of music! In an exciting 1814 novel called “The Power of Music,” we discover just how influential music can be. Can you imagine a pigeon that loves music? It may sound funny, but it is true!

This fascinating book, written by an unknown author, takes us on a journey to explore the impact of music on humans and animals. It shares incredible stories of how music has transformed people’s lives. For example, it tells us about convulsions being relieved and voices being recovered through the power of sound. But it does not stop there—animals are also moved by music!

“The Power of Music” has fascinated people for centuries and still captivates music enthusiasts and researchers today. Scientists and psychologists who study music therapy and the brain find this book incredibly relevant. It teaches us about the deep connections between music and the human experience, connections that go beyond cultural boundaries and touch our souls.

Whether you love music, enjoy history, or are curious about the wonders of art and life, “The Power of Music” invites you to unlock its secrets. It shows us the profound impact that music continues to have on our world.

What’s This Story Actually About?

Prepare to be captivated as you read the stories and insights within these pages. You will uncover the timeless allure and transformative power of music. This book weaves fascinating anecdotes to explore how music influences people and animals. It introduces us to remarkable musicians like Handel, Mozart, and Farinelli, who changed the world with their music. We also learn about the places where music holds sway, from grand cathedrals to everyday homes.

Even though we do not know who drafted this book, their diligence and thorough research shine through. By blending science, art, and emotion, “The Power of Music” reminds us of the universal language that has enchanted humanity for centuries.

Let us look at an extraordinary story from the book called “The Musical Pigeon.” It tells us about a famous composer named Bertoni and his pigeon companion. This pigeon loves music so much that it shows obvious delight whenever Bertoni plays and sings. But here is the surprising part: if someone plays a wrong note or makes a discordant sound, the pigeon gets angry and shows displeasure by pecking at the person’s legs and fingers! It is incredible how much the pigeon understands and appreciates music.

Excerpt of The Musical Pigeon

This story may seem unbelievable, but many people have witnessed and confirmed it. Even Signora Cecilia Guiliani, one of Bertoni’s students, can vouch for the pigeon’s musical judgment. Bertoni sometimes keeps the bird out of the room to avoid upsetting or annoying those who come for music lessons.

“The Musical Pigeon” shows us that music can touch humans and animals. It reminds us of the harmony between music and the world around us. Read the excerpt below from the passage The Musical Pigeon.

The Musical Pigeon.

Mrs. Piozzy, in her Observations in a Journey through Italy, relates the following singular anecdote.

“An odd thing,” says she, “of which I was this morning a witness, has called my thoughts away to a curious train of reflections upon the animal race, and how far they may be made companionable and intelligent. The famous Bertoni, so well known in London, by his long residence among us, and, from the undisputed merit of his compositions, now inhabits this, his native city; and, being fond of dumb creatures, as we call them, took for his companion, a pigeon; one of the few animals which can live at Venice, where scarcely any quadrupeds can be admitted, or would exist with any degree of comfort to themselves.

“This creature has, however, by keeping his master company, obtained so perfect an ear and taste for music, that no one, who sees his behaviour, can doubt for a moment of the pleasure he takes in hearing Mr. Bertoni play and sing: for, as soon as he sits down to the instrument, Columbo begins shaking his wings, perches on the piano forte, and expresses the most indubitable motions of delight. If, however, he, or any one else, strikes a note false, or makes any kind of discord upon the keys, the pigeon never fails to show evident tokens of anger and distress; and, if teased too long, grows quite enraged; pecking the offender’s legs and fingers, in such a manner, as to leave no doubt of the sincerity of his resentment.”

Signora Cecilia Guiliani, a scholar of Bertoni’s, who has received some overtures from the London Theatres lately, will, if ever she arrives there, bear testimony to the truth of an assertion very difficult to believe, and to which I should hardly myself give credit, were I not a witness to it every morning that I choose to call and confirm my own belief. A friend, present, protested he should be afraid to touch the harpsichord before so nice a critic; and, though we all laughed at the assertion, Bertoni declared he never knew the bird’s judgment fail; and that he often kept him out of the room, for fear of affronting or tormenting those who came to take musical instructions.

“With regard to other actions of life, I saw nothing particular in the pigeon, but his tameness and strong attachment to his master: for, though not unwinged, and only clipped a little, he never seeks to range way from the house, or quit his master’s service, any more than the Dove of Anacreon.

While his better lot bestows

Sweet repast and soft repose.

And, when feast and frolic tire,

Drops asleep upon his lyre.”

Mrs. Piozzy.

The Musical Pigeon (Pg 28 – 31)

All in All

As you read the accounts in this book, written by respected doctors and scholars of their time (which we understand is a long time ago), you will be transported to an era when music was valued for its healing qualities. Let the wisdom of ancient civilizations and the groundbreaking insights of medical pioneers guide you on a journey into the medicinal effects of music. This exploration might change the way you think about music forever.

So, get ready to be inspired and amazed by the incredible power of music. Let us embark on this extraordinary journey together!