A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Mersennus, Marin

by Franz Gehring

MERSENNUS, Marin, le Père Mersenne, born in the village of Oizé, in Maine, Sept. 8, 1588, educated at Le Mans and La Fleche; became a Minorite, entering upon his noviciate July 17, 1611, and receiving full orders (after a course of theology and Hebrew in Paris) from Monsignor de Gondi in 1613. For a time he taught philosophy at Nevers, but soon returned to Paris, where with other kindred spirits, such as Descartes, Pascal (père), Roberval, and Peiresc, he studied deeply both mathematics and music. He corresponded with Doni, Huyghens, and other learned men in Italy, England, and Holland; and visited Italy three times (1640, 41, and 45). He died Sept. 1, 1648, after a painful operation. His most important work is his 'Traité de 1'harmonie universelle' (1627), of which he published an epitome in Latin; 'Harmonicorum libri XII' etc. (1648, with the names of three publishers, Baudry, Cramoisy, and Robert Ballard). These are more important even than Cerone's great work as sources of information on music in the 17th century, especially French music and musicians.

[ F. G. ]