Reconstructing the Context and Performance of Medieval Pilgrimage Music

Dr. Mauricio Molina, Dr. Meritxell Martín, Juan Carlos Asencio, Cristina Alís Raurich, and Dr. Gisèle Clément 

Pilgrimage had an enormous impact in the religious, political, economic, and artistic life of medieval Europe. It fomented piousness, travelling, trade, and architectural and sculptural development.

In the realm of music it prompted the creation of some of the most elaborate monophonic and polyphonic compositions of the age. This music was created to enrich the ceremonies of cathedrals, monasteries and churches that served as important destinations on the pilgrimage routes to Jerusalem, Rome, Montserrat, and Compostela.

The program Manuscript to Performance will explore medieval pilgrimage music from historical, religious, anthropological, and performative perspectives.

The course offers:

• An examination of the spiritual, political, economic, and artistic context of medieval pilgrimage – Dr. Meritxell Martí
• The creation of a theory of performance for pilgrim music following the study of medieval treatises, literature, iconography, and music sources – Dr. Mauricio Molina
• The study and performance of monophonic and polyphonic music from the Codex Calixtinus of Santiago de Compostela – Juan Carlos Asensio
• The study and performance of monophonic and polyphonic music from the Llibre Vermell of Montserrat – Cristina Alís Raurich

The course is open to practical musicians, musicologists, philologists, historians, and anyone interested in the study of medieval culture. Knowledge of music and experience with music reading is essential for active students.

All classes in English. Lecture in French.