The Strasbourg Cantiones of 1539: Protestant City, Catholic Music

The Schöffer's Cantiones is a collection of 28 Latin five-voice motets by composers including Gombert, Willaert, and Jacquet of Mantua, which was published in 1539 by Peter Schöffer the Younger. It is a critical study of the anthology, considering its circumstances of assemblage and printing, its confessional significance, and the music itself. The book also includes brief biographical details of the composers and a full list of all concordant sources. It will be of interest to performers and scholars alike.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 23 May 2023
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

Schöffer's Cantiones weave a captivating tale of South-North, Catholic-Protestant collaboration. The Cantiones quinque vocum selectissimæ, compiled by Peter Schöffer the Younger in Strasbourg in 1539, stands as a remarkable collection of 28 Latin five-voice motets by esteemed composers such as Gombert, Willaert, and Jacquet of Mantua. This remarkable publication marked Schöffer's inaugural venture into Latin motets and his final musical composition. King Ferdinand I graciously granted him an imperial privilege to print it, a testament to the significance of his artistic contributions. The motets had been graciously sent to Schöffer by Hermann Matthias Werrecore, the choirmaster of the Duomo of Milan. However, this occurred at a time when Strasbourg, known for its rich musical heritage, had undergone a severe reform, particularly in the realm of liturgical Latin choral singing. This book delves into a critical examination of the anthology, encompassing its contextualization, printing process, confessional significance, and the music itself. It explores the intricate relationship between Schöffer and Werrecore, questioning why a Protestant publisher situated in Protestant Germany would endeavor to sell Latin music endorsed by a Catholic monarch, knowing that it had little chance of being performed in its place of publication. Furthermore, the monograph provides insights into the motets themselves, offering brief biographical details of the composers, including the lesser-known ones, such as Ferrariensis, Sarton, and Billon. Additionally, it presents a comprehensive list of all concordant sources, enriching the reader's understanding of the musical landscape. This work appeals to performers and scholars alike, seamlessly blending historical research, musical criticism, and the provision of online transcriptions, enabling a holistic exploration and performance of these captivating compositions.

Weight: 1g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781837650668