Musicology The Rose Review (Nathalie Lorson) + Kosmic Petals of Love Giveaway

Musicology The Rose

Musicology The Rose Image by Karl©

I first discovered Musicology last year and was immediately struck by how impactful the creations were. Expressing each perfume as a symphony and scent as the melody, Founder and Creative Director Fabien Boukobza and Master Perfumer Nathalie Lorson have collaborated to bring across the harmony of music and scent.  Each perfume in the collection has distinct notes accords and melodies that once spritzed connect with the air to produce a vehicle that transports one into a synesthesia that people can relate directly to… Joy. The ephemeral state that connects perfume and music.

image via  stock

Musicology The Rose represents the cosmic petals of love and was inspired by Janis Joplin the  iconic American singer / song writer known for her powerful vocals and electric stage presence.  It is a fragrance that delivers a thrill of excitement whilst sublimating a trail that renders one mesmerised by its intoxicating sultriness.  Damascena rose is front and centre as the main protagonist surrounded by luscious fruity and sensual floral notes.  Musicology The Rose is a perfume that communicates the message that first impressions last.

Fabien Boukobza Nathalie Lorson

Fabien Boukobza and Nathalie Lorson Collage (Musicology & Firmenich)©

 Nathalie Lorson is known for creating perfumes which appear simple but have an underlying complexity.  Here she blends raspberry pulp and peony with the Damascena rose in an opening which is high octane and vivacious.  This creates an excitement one compares to witnessing a festival in full flow.  The cacophony of scent, beats and dance creates an atmospheric excitement.  As the perfume hits the air you are hit with a lush quality as it whirls around you in tones of bright red and pink hues.  The sweetness has a laser-like essence that fires the senses straight to your heart.  This is a vibrant perfume that announces itself on stage with a dramatic presence.

Creamfields

Creamfields Image Wikimedia Commons

As it mingles with the skin, Musicology The Rose produces a sultry and beautiful effect.  You are both wrapped up in the warmth of the composition whilst being drawn deeply to the central ingredient.  This rose is dynamic and luscious; it captures a rose at the peak of bloom which is akin to the drum beat that sets the tone of music; transfixing and dominant.  Summer festivals were a constant in my youth especially during the 90’s and this perfume takes me back to times of happiness attending Creamfields in Winchester on a bright day.  There was excitement in the air and a throng of collective positivity which brought people together.  The heart of The Rose reflects this period of my life. The use of violet brings a soft and fuzzy nuance to the scent reminiscent of the uplifting scene of the time.

I smile when recollecting friends and new acquaintances nodding in approval and smiling at the incoming moment of a tune newly experienced and deftly mixed into our consciousness.  This is exactly how I feel this fragrance acts.  The blend is smooth and transitions delightfully. That moment in its purest form is complete euphoria and a communal understanding beyond words.  Musicology The Rose filters into one’s senses the same way. It is a promise of happiness. Vanilla glides effortlessly into our awareness and produces lashings of further sweetness and brings us deep into gourmand territory.

The sensuality of The Rose comes to the fore in the base as we are encased in a mélange of white woods.  Whilst not listed, there is a creamy aspect present which I identify with sandalwood, this creates a sway and flow to the scent, which delves down to relaxation and tenderness.  I relate this experience to taking time to converse and chill with friends and imbibe the surrounding open air.  Connecting with both nature and company.  The magic of Perfumer Nathalie Lorson here is evident.  Her talent in creating a scent with a clear signature but with such interesting accompanying notes that harmonise with ease is incredibly special. To produce that special feeling of positivity and allure at once is an achievement.

Musicology The Rose is the kind of fragrance that precedes you but also leaves a lasting trail. Here is a multifaceted and distinctive rose perfume that is unlike any other I have tried, it maneuverers from statement maker to endearing which is rare. Truly a gourmand floral which is a promise of love.

Notes: Peony, Raspberry, Violet, Damascena Rose Essence, Vanilla, White Woods.

Disclaimer: bottle of Musicology The Rose generously provided by Fabien Boukobza. My opinions are my own.

Karl Topham, Senior Contributor

Musicology The Rose ReviewMusicology The Rose ReviewMusicology The Rose Review

Musicology The Rose by Karl

Thanks to the generosity of Musicology we have a 95 ml bottle of The Rose for one registered reader in the EU UK & USA. To be eligible please leave a comment about what strikes you about Musicology The Rose, where you live, and if you are aware of Musicology. Draw closes 4/30/22

Please read, Musicology Fly Me To The Oud Review 

You can follow us on Instagram  @cafleurebonofficial @musicologyparfums  @nathalielorsonmasterperfumer @karl.topham  @FabienBoukobza

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51 comments

  • Musicology The Rose reminds me that classic notes are making a comeback. Nathalie Lorson created lot for designers but it seems she is more focused on niche brands now as they may give her more creative freedom. Sandalwood is not listed but it is good to note it is quite likely in the composition as it gives smooth woody feel to perfumes. I am in USA.

  • Karl!!! ❤️❤️❤️ Wonderful review!!! I’m really drawn to this fragrance from your description. Although the note list appears simple, you make it come alive through your research & description! I’m very interested in the overall view of fragrance that Musicology takes as well as the jammy raspberry pulp & sandalwood notes you describe. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!

  • I love the Idea that musicology is inspired by Janis Joplin, someone I adore and is inspirational to me. Roses, Vanilla and white woods surely seems something different and I would be honored to try it.
    USA here.

  • punchflower says:

    Janis Joplin singing Summertime is the feel of a lazy lustful youthful music festival personified. I love the idea of fruity raspberry, potent rose, and some smooth wood underneath. I am not familiar with Musicality, but looking through their website, I love the names and fragrance notes, like ‘fly me to the oud’, and ’cause I’m happy’. I’d love to try this brand. From US

  • Music & Fragrance brilliant idea. Janis Joplin such a wonderful icon. Notes: Peony, Raspberry, Violet, Damascena Rose Essence, Vanilla, White Woods. Sounds lovely. Thank you for this Chance USA

  • Nose Prose says:

    The notes sound perfect together and the analogy with music is very attractive. I wasn’t aware of Musicology before but love the name and idea – a bit like L’Orchestre Parfum in marrying perfume with music. MA, USA

  • A Janis Joplin inspired fragrance sounds awesome. I like the thought of a gourmand rose perfume. The notes of raspberry and violet paired with Damascena Rose Essence are what attracts me to The Rose. Thanks for another great review and generous draw. Mich USA

  • I think I’m in love with this fragrance already!!!! Musicology The Rose sounds amazing! All the note blended to perfection, rose, raspberry, vanilla, white woods… I would love to try it!!!! I’m from Massachusetts, US.

  • NituNicolae says:

    My girlfriend simply adores rose in every fragrance, so if I won this I would definitely give it to her as a gift. Peony and raspberries I am sure give this enough playfullness that she would enjoy. Thank you for the opportunity. From Romania, EU.

  • Nikolina_84 says:

    “The Rose represents the cosmic petals of love and was inspired by Janis Joplin the iconic American singer / song writer known for her powerful vocals and electric stage presence.” Janis is my idol from childhood and to smell something inspired by her woul be a dream come true! And yes, I’m well aware of Musicology!
    Hugs from Croatia, EU.

  • Sorohan Adriana says:

    Truly a gourmand floral, a beautiful rose, which is a promise of love, realy parfumistic music.
    I am from Bucharest Romania Europe

  • The Rose seems to be a tune without any false notes to me. It has every notes that I likes and none that I dislikes. It’s creamy, and it possess a quality that I’m always looking for in a fragrance. Which is a rarity like Karl’s said for a fragrance that can be both statement maker and endearing. From EU – France

  • Riccardo Calcagno says:

    Love rose and love this music/fragrance connection.
    I tried close to midnight and really liked it.
    Riccardo from Italy

  • Here is a multifaceted and distinctive rose perfume that is unlike any other I have tried, it maneuverers from statement maker to endearing which is rare. Truly a gourmand floral which is a promise of love.

    Notes: Peony, Raspberry, Violet, Damascena Rose Essence, Vanilla, White Woods. I love rose in fragrance and this sounds like a magical concoction. A house that I have not tried anything by l am afraid. Thanks a million from the United Kingdom

  • magic of Perfumer Nathalie Lorson here is evident. Her talent in creating a scent with a clear signature but with such interesting accompanying notes that harmonise with ease is incredibly special. To produce that special feeling of positivity and allure at once is an achievement.

    Musicology The Rose is the kind of fragrance that precedes you but also leaves a lasting trail. A beautiful description by Karl really intrigued by the blending and smoothness of this fragrance. A house that I need to explore further. Thanks a lot from the UK

  • from a gazillion rose fragrances, Karl says this one is unlike any other, so this must mean something. hopefully, not that he tried only a few rose centered fragrances 🙂
    kidding aside, this phrase : “Each perfume in the collection has distinct notes accords and melodies that once spritzed connect with the air to produce a vehicle that transports one into a synesthesia that people can relate directly to… Joy.” is the most truthful and beautiful I have read recently, and it does renders perfectly what I have felt the other day, when stepping out of a perfume shop, full of fragrances on my arms [ahem :)))] and the fresh air met the fragrant particles on my skin.
    I am living in Europe.

  • Nice review Karl! It is a beautiful idea the harmony of music and scent, and as a fan of Nathalie Lorson (love her Encre Noir), I agree 100% to what she says about her work: “like a music composer, I used notes and chords to create perfumes that will bring emotion”. In Musicology The Rose, she performs (like an orchestra conductor) a Damascena Rose melody (the front and the center , the main accord of the tune) that sounds dynamic and accompanied with interesting notes that harmonise with the rose : First raspberry, then violet and ending with vanilla. A great gourmand floral. I didn´t try but the review of ‘fly me to the oud’ (amazing name for a scent) , another Lorson melody, sounds as goods as it smells. I live in Spain, EU.

  • Gourmet flower perfume, vanilla, woods and raspberry on top of it? Amazing! Though I’ve never tried any perfume from Musicology, I have heard of the brand.
    EU

  • maneuvering from statement maker to endearing is perfect for a perfume inspired by Janis Joplin. I am aware of Musicology from Cafleurebon, but haven’t tried any yet. I am in the US.

  • This sounds like a great fragrance to welcome the warmer weather! I’m definitely here for a music festival fragrance too (especially one for Janis Joplin). I haven’t heard or Musicology before. Thank you for the review, writing from the EU.

  • I love a good rose fragrance and like the jammy effect that raspberry gives to rose so this sounds wonderful. I’m aware of musicology as a house and really like the inspiration for the fragrances. I have never tried one though! Marit UK

  • joetelegram says:

    Good morning,

    I’ve never heard of “Musicology”, but it is not a house that I am soon to forget! It makes sense that there is connection and harmony between scent and music. It’s surprising to me that this incorporation isn’t utilized more often.

    I also love the connection that is made between music/fragrance and genuine human emotion. How fascinating these connections really are. Everything is connected, isn’t it?

    Musicology’s “The Rose” sounds beautiful, simply put. With the blending of Damascena Rose, raspberry, vanilla, and peony–I can’t wait to try this one! What a delectable gourmand!

    A special thank you to Karl Topham for your contribution, Nathalie Lorson for your expertise, and Fabien Boukobza for your generosity! Thank you to Michelyn and CaFleureBon for creating this venue for niche perfumery to resound!

    Joseph O’Brien–Roseburg, Oregon (USA)

    Username: joetelegram
    Instagram: @joetelegram

  • Yes, another wonderful rose fragrance!

    I have been aware of Musicology since the beginning of 2021, when reading some reviews of their fragrances, but have not dived deeper into the house yet. I love when different art expressions intertwine with each other or an art piece is an inspiration for another one in a completely different sphere. Janice Joplin’s energy and songs are so unique and energetic that I am really thrilled and curious about the rose fragrance that she inspired.

    I love reading Karl’s impression of Damascena rose as the main protagonist enveloped by fruity and floral notes. I was also a proper festival girl during the 90s, so the analogy with the festival experience rings very closely in my heart. I can not imagine anything more appealing after reading Karl’s article: leaving a lasting trail of multifaceted rose + Janice Joplin’s music. 😉 🙂
    Greetings from Slovenia (EU).

  • Karl’s memory of summer festivals he attended and how The Rose reminds him of those pleasant times describes the perfume well, as many of us have similar memories but of different events and times. Rose is common but the accompanying notes in The Rose (and unlisted sandalwood) make it very interesting. I had heard of Musicology before on Cafleurebon (from the article linked in Karl’s review), but haven’t had a chance to try their perfumes, yet. Thanks for the review and draw. From USA.

  • Seems to be a great unisex scent for my & my partner to try out. Hope to be able to try this.
    Martinsville, Virginia USA
    Instagram: @safegotem

  • “The ephemeral state that connects perfume and music.” Certainly

    I’ve never heard of Musicology, but definitely I would like to hear the perfume singing on my skin.

    I live in Portugal.

  • Musicology The Rose sounds like a very classic-structured fragrance with a twist. Centered among one of the most important and popular notes in perfumery, it delves into an optimistic, happy and sensual territory, according to Karl’s words. Sometimes simplicity is key and it’s unique in its own way.
    I am unfortunately unfamiliar with Musicology.
    I live in EU.

  • liquidasset77 says:

    I was previously unaware of the brand, very good to see you feature them. Rose as the strings of the heart song couldn’t be more romantically implicit. Would love to win this. Michigan USA

  • wandering_nose says:

    I have only briefly heard of Musicology a while ago but now I am truly hooked. A fragrance that provides synesthetic experience, proves that first impressions last, promises happiness, built around a clear and obvious leading note but serving it mixed perfectly with other notes that complement it well. Last but not least, a perfume that precedes the wearer but also leaves a lasting trail. This is pure happiness, and it des indeed make me think of a music festival – good vibes, joy, happiness, freedom and bliss. I would love to try The Rose. I live in Dublin, Ireland, EU

  • GennyLeigh says:

    Musicology’s The Rose seems like a very feminine fragrance given the listed notes. The florals and fruit on a bed of vanilla and white woods is sensual yet soft and sweet. It’s interesting that Janis Joplin is the muse for this fragrance. By all accounts she was a very feminine presence despite the rough exterior. I’ve never heard of Musicology before. MD, USA.

  • Jake Dauod says:

    I really love the vision behind this brand. I think it is so unique to tie music and fragrance together, and there is so much that can be done. I am not very familiar with this brand, but I believe I have read a CafleureBon review of one of their fragrances ages ago. For the fragrance itself, I love that it is a gourmand floral. I can’t recall putting my nose on any in particular, but I believe I have smelt floral gourmands on others. I really liked them a lot, and I think this fragrance sounds lovely. I am a big fan of rose, but I am so curious as to how it smells with raspberry and violet. Definitely a unique list of notes that I would love to try. Kind regards from IL, USA.

  • Musicology I’m not familiar with, but Karl Topham take on Musicology The Rose reminded me of making, and later eating Raspberry-Rose Vanilla Cake, with pistachios , real rose water and candied rose petals on top . How about eating the cake, while on some jazz Summer festival? Sounds amazing , like Carl said “Truly a gourmand floral which is a promise of love”
    Appreciate the review, and the giveaway campaign
    USA

  • I like that this is a multifaceted and distinctive rose fragrance. Nice looking bottle too. Hope to get a chance to try Musicology The Rose. Thanks, Ca

  • I love jammy rose fragrances! The opening note of Peony adds a nice powdery layer. It sounds like such a wonderful fragrance. I’ve never tried any scents from Musicology before. Your review of this perfume has me wanting to explore this perfume house.
    I live in the USA.

  • Thanks, Karl for telling us about this new house. It is an excitement to see all the perfumes done by Nathalie Lorson. I think perfume lowers should dig more into the house. I am in the US.

  • WaltherP99 says:

    I’m familiar with all Musicology fragrances, and if I have to rate my favorite ones:
    1. Close to Midnight
    2. The Rose
    3. ‘Cause I’m Happy
    Never been into Summer festivals, both in the 90’s, and now , but love high quality, complex rose fragrances like The Rose . Whoever chose the name, applause for your boldness
    For the most part I do agree with Karl’s review. I personally wouldn’t call The Rose happy, or positive fragrance, but it’s definitely alluring. Gourmand elements are present, but not in a modern , gooey way.
    On my skin i perceive iris, something smoky and suede leather.
    Also in the base ,not the same fragrances by any means, but rose , raspberries and musk combination in The Rose reminds me on Red Queen by 4160 Tuesdays , the 9th birthday anniversary collaboration between Sarah McCartney and Cafleurebon
    Just followed @fabienboukobza ,the other profiles I follow for a long time, @waltherp99bg
    Thanks a lot
    USA

  • This is a house that bas been on my radar for some time now. I have heard only good things about Musicology. I love roses and The Rose seems like the complex take on rose that I was waiting for to complete my collection.
    Thank you! Europe

  • Thanks for another great article Karl!

    Rose is a note that, at first, I wasn’t a big fan of. My partner bought me fragrances with this note because she loved it, and whenever I would wear them in the office, my colleagues would share her enthusiasm for this note. I came to like it and ended up loving it!

    I haven’t tried any fragrances from Musicology yet, but I am familiar with Natalie Lorson’s creations Encre Noire and Black Opium. They are absolute marsterpieces and I am therefre quite excited to try The Rose!

    Greetings from the UK!

  • I think that the combination of rose, violet and raspberry has become a classic in the perfume art. Personally, I am grateful because I happen to love the combination and find that I have a lot of it in my collection. I am anxious to learn more about Musicology and am intrigued by the marriage of scent and music. The two seem to be so perfect for each other!
    Thank you!
    I am in the US

  • What most strikes me about this fragrance is how vanilla and the possible sandalwood mingle with the rose. I’m always curious too whether the rose in a fragrance is on the more medicinal side or a jammy, photorealistic flower scent. This review leads me to believe it errs toward photorealistic and “in bloom.” I would also be fascinated to know how this fragrance works in different settings and weather, and just how feminine it really feels. I personally love a unisex fragrance, and have only tried a couple marketed toward women that have really struck me. Lovely review!
    USA

  • I didn’t expect to read about a perfume inspired by Janis Joplin today. I’ll admit, Joplin makes me think of a haze of patchouli and cannabis, not a rose and raspberry gourmand floral. Still, this one sounds lovely, and a little bit jubilant. I hadn’t heard of Musicology before this, but I’m going to check out their site.

    I’m in the midwest, USA.

  • The Rose by Musicology sounds like a complex, multifaceted and distinctive rose fragrance. I appreciate the comparison between music and smells and note descriptions.
    I am not aware of musicology but if The Rose us any indication, this house makes complex fragrances.
    Maryland, US.

  • Michael Prince says:

    I am really interested in this fragrance Musicology The Rose based on Karl’s review. I love the concept behind the brand of bringing together music with scent. Nathalie Lorson is a brilliant perfumer with so many beautiful offerings. This beautiful and sensual Rose fragrance was described in illustrious detail by Karl and I love the note of Rose in fragrances. I’ve heard so many great things about the brand Musicology, but I haven’t tried their fragrances yet. I am from the USA.

  • foreverscents says:

    As a fan of Janis Joplin, The Rose deeply appeals to me. I couldn’t help but think of the 1979 Bette Midler movie, “The Rose,” which was loosely based on Joplin’s life. I love the line in Karl’s review: “…it maneuvers from statement maker to endearing, which is rare.” I think the same sentiment could be applied to Janis Joplin (and, indeed, Bette Midler). Janis certainly made a statement with her electrifying blues-based live performances and her recordings. Yet you see/hear her vulnerability, which endears her to so many.
    I haven’t heard of Musicology before, but I love the concept of fitting fragrance notes to musical notes.
    I live in the USA.

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thank you for the great review Karl.

    I am struck by how this review demonstrates the level of connection that you had with this fragrance.

    Nathalie Lorson (of Encre Noir series fame) is one of my favourite perfumers and her ability to create movement with simple notes, THis fragrance is a testimony to her skill. Absolutely love these floral notes of peony, violet and rose and how they intertwine in a crescendo.

    I am not aware of this brand. Thank you for brining it to the front of my mind.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • Perfumer Natalie Lorson is one of my favorite perfumers: I own and enjoy many fragrances which she’s made, e.g. Zadig & Voltaire’s “This is Him”, Lalique’s “Encre Noire”, Mandarina Duck “Black Extreme”, and more. Recently, I first started hearing of this fragrance house. I want to try this rose-centered fragrance which is made by Lorson, and I like the idea of a gourmand floral. I live in the U.S.A.

  • petergigov says:

    Musicology i don’t know yet, but Nathalie Lorson i do .
    The Rose is how one upscale nighttime fragrance should smell, with rose , fruity sweetness, sandalwood and a lot of unknowns. Elaborate fragrance, with high compliment factor, I’ll gladly wear The Rose on a date with a classy lady.
    Exciting giveaway, USA
    Regards

  • Karl Topham transported me to New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival , we’re going with friends, and I can’t wait to catch the show tomorrow with Red Hot Chili Peppers. It’ll be a great week in New Orleans
    Summer festivals, emotions, dancing like there’s no tomorrow with a cocktail in my hand , The Rose and Karl Topham review are in a perfect unison.
    The cocktail i relate to The Rose is Vanilla Bean Raspberry Sangria, preferably with Chambord , an exquisite intense raspberry flavour French XO cognac with a hint of Madagascan vanilla , and MONIN Premium Rose Syrup
    Fruity, sweet and fun , winning The Rose would make me really happy, and I’ll forever relate it to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
    Musicology i’m aware of because of friend of mine , she wears Close to Midnight . I only know how it smells on her , never tried it myself
    Thank you for the opportunity
    USA

  • IvanVelikov says:

    First impressions last , that’s why I’m always dressed sharp, smelling good.
    Musicology The Rose is modern floral-gourmand with extrovert, full of optimism aura surrounding it.
    I’m not familiar with Musicology perfumes
    Thank you Karl Topham, and Musicology
    USA

  • Musicology The Rose I believe is overly sexy , and even slightly lustful fragrance for people with high self esteem. Come in baby. , light my fire
    Thanks for the draw
    USA

  • sephrenia300 says:

    Wonderful review Karl! What strikes me about Musicology The Rose is that it was inspired by Janis Joplin’s amazing voice and dynamic stage presence, exciting and intoxicating. Damascena rose is such a lush and intense note that it’s the perfect complement to embody Janis Joplin. I live in the US and I was not aware of Musicology before this article.