Musical Anthropology: Ideas for the Study of an anthroposophical Music Therapy

Musical Anthropology is the title of a series of lectures by Dr Hans-Heinrich Engel, given in the late sixties and early seventies. The lectures were part of a research into Music therapy based on Rudolf Steiner's anthroposophy and were given in the context of the work with children with complex needs and learning disabilities in a number of residential communities in Northern Ireland, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Engel's approach to therapy was unique and intuitive, but at the same time based on his knowledge of and experience with anthroposophical medicine. The lectures give a fascinating description of the human organs and of the life processes, especially breathing. This book may stimulate those who wish to work therapeutically with the medium of music and are at the same time interested in the spiritual background of the human being as a basis for a deeper understanding of the effect of the elements of music.