Saint Cecilia in the Renaissance: The Emergence of a Musical Icon

Saint Cecilia was not connected with music until the fifteenth century, but during the next two centuries, she inspired many musical works and paintings. This book explores the cult of the saint in Medieval times and through the sixteenth century when musicians guilds in the Low Countries and France chose Cecilia as their patron. It also examines the wealth of visual representations of Cecilia, especially during the Italian Renaissance, and how she became a figure of musical and artistic inspiration.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2022
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

This comprehensive study delves into the fascinating journey that led Saint Cecilia to become deeply intertwined with music and musicians. Until the fifteenth century, Saint Cecilia was not commonly associated with music. She was perceived as just one among many virgin martyrs, with no apparent musical talents or interests. However, over the next two centuries, her influence on music would grow exponentially.

During this time, numerous musical works were composed in her honor, and countless paintings depicted her singing or playing an instrument. In his book, John A. Rice explores the intricate process through which Saint Cecilia's association with music emerged. It was a gradual process that involved Christian liturgy, visual arts, and music. The catalyst for this association was the interaction between artists, musicians, and their patrons, as well as the transfer of visual and musical traditions from northern Europe to Italy.

Saint Cecilia in the Renaissance delves into the cult of the saint during Medieval times and extends into the sixteenth century when musicians guilds in the Low Countries and France chose Saint Cecilia as their patron. The book then turns its attention to music, specifically the proliferation of polyphonic vocal works written in her honor by some of the most renowned composers in Europe. It also examines the rich visual representations of Saint Cecilia, particularly during the Italian Renaissance. One of the most famous examples is Raphael's 1515 painting, "The Ecstasy of Saint Cecilia," which is renowned for its artistic brilliance and emotional impact.

Thoroughly researched and exquisitely illustrated in color, Saint Cecilia in the Renaissance offers a definitive portrayal of Saint Cecilia as a figure of immense musical and artistic inspiration. This captivating book sheds light on the complex interplay between religion, art, and culture, providing a deeper understanding of the saint's enduring legacy in the world of music.

Dimension: 254 x 178 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226817101