Music from 'Atalanta fugiens' emblem 1

Michael Maier's alchemical emblem book Atalanta fugiens was first published in Latin in 1617. It was a most amazing book as it incorporated 50 emblems with a motto, an epigram and a discourse, but extended the concept of an emblem book by incorporating 50 pieces of music the 'fugues' or canons. In this sense it was an early example of multimedia.

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Atalanta Fugiens

Emblem 1
The wind carried him in his belly

Epigram 1
When the unborn child, which lies hidden in the womb of the North wind,
One day will rise to the light alive
He alone will be able to surpass all deeds of heroism
With his art, his hand, bodily strength and spirit,
Let him not be born for you like a Coeso, and not as a useless abortion,
Not as an Agrippa, but under a lucky star.

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