The Malmariee in the Thirteenth-Century Motet

This monograph explores the theme of the malmariée, or the unhappily married woman, in thirteenth-century motet repertory, analyzing how the motets treat marriage, gender issues, and intertextual relationships. It also investigates the transmission profile of the motets and their refrains, suggesting a lively interest in the topos in the 1270s and 1280s, particularly in Paris and Arras.

Format: Hardback
Length: 162 pages
Publication date: 21 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive monograph delves into the intricate realm of the malmariée, or the unhappily married woman, within the thirteenth-century motet repertory, a vocal genre characterized by the simultaneous performance of multiple texts over a foundational Latin chant. Part I explores the malmariée motets from three distinct perspectives:
1. Examining the malmariée motets in the context of contemporaneous canonist views on marriage.
2. Analyzing how the French malmariée texts in the upper voices employ parody and allegory to convey the underlying messages of the Latin chant.
3. Investigating the interplay between upper-voice texts, which invite additional interpretations focused on gender issues.

Part II delves into the transmission profile of the motets and their refrains, unveiling not only intertextual refrain usage between the motets and other genres but also a significant number of shared refrains between malmariée motets and other motets. Furthermore, Part II offers insights into the chronology of composition within a given intertextual refrain nexus and examines how the meaning of a refrain can evolve in different contexts.

Based on the transmission profile, Part II makes a compelling argument for a lively interest in the malmariée topos during the 1270s and 1280s, both through the composition of new motets and the compilation of earlier ones. Paris and Arras emerge as prominent centers for the production and dissemination of malmariée motets.

In conclusion, this monograph provides a deep and multifaceted exploration of the malmariée topos within the thirteenth-century motet repertory, shedding light on the social, musical, and gender-related aspects of this vocal genre. It offers valuable insights into the transmission, composition, and interpretation of malmariée motets, contributing to our understanding of the rich musical heritage of the Middle Ages.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032371207