Letter of recommendation for the present

work of Master Bernardino de Figueroa.

The Master of the Royal Chapel of Granada to those desirous of knowing the art of practical and speculative music.

A large, ornate woodcut drop cap letter 'O' featuring a seated figure in a scholarly or clerical robe, surrounded by floral flourishes and architectural elements. One of the things that causes men not to perfectly know what they desire is not understanding the terms of the sciences—as the Philosopher original: "el philosopho"; likely referring to Aristotle, often cited simply as "The Philosopher" in Renaissance texts says—and thus they fall into errors and do not know truths. Because of this, Music in Spain has come to such a great need of foundation, for even the most learned only treat practice the performance and execution of music without caring for theory the mathematical and philosophical study of music. When they see something written that they do not understand, they immediately reject it, unwilling to wait for a reason to be convinced of things done outside of their craft. To understand music from its roots—both that which is sung and that which is played—it was necessary to gather many books and many teachers, and to spend much time to understand it.

The very Reverend Father Fray Juan Bermudo of the Order of Saint Francis has wished to take the labor of gathering everything from many books and reducing the obscurity of theory into practice, along with many other new things he has invented. Thus, what would have taken much time and difficulty to understand and know can now be understood and known through this book alone. In it, there is "milk" so that children in music may be raised—those who are content with only plainchant monophonic Gregorian chant and polyphony original: "canto de organo"; complex multi-voiced music—and there are also diverse "meats" for men of diverse tastes. This is as much for those who are fond of singing and the delicacies of counterpoint the relationship between voices that are harmonically interdependent yet independent in rhythm and contour and composition, as for those who wish to know the secrets and foundations of all musical instruments. This will be an occupation—together with the tablatures original: "cifras"; a system of notation for instruments like the vihuela or organ taught here—that is pleasant for the intellect and not harmful to the soul, unlike many exercises men engage in to pass the time, which passes so quickly and for which such an account must be given if it is wasted.

I have seen and examined it, as have others of the same faculty, and I understand that much gratitude is owed to him who labored so to spare many others from great labor. Everything he says, he proves in number and in quantities, which are the proof of music; for music is demonstrated through Arithmetic and Geometry Music was part of the Quadrivium, the four mathematical arts of the medieval liberal arts curriculum. Do not fail to enjoy such a good book; alongside the many books of vain histories that are read, this one will sit well in the chamber of any gentleman or those of any other station, to praise God with Music and good doctrine on earth, as was the intention of the author of this book, so copious and profitable.