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Figure 1
Figure 2 |
Medeival Symphonie #1Design based on illumination
in 13th Century Spanish manuscript commissioned by Alfonso X "El
Sabio." There are many examples of symphonies in paintings, frescoes, and illuminations dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. Many examples have shown up in Spain, but can also be found in Italian, French, and English art of that period. The symphonie's popularity was limited to the Catholic monestaries, cathedrals, and churches and was most often used to accompany the daily services, such as Matins, Lauds, Vespers, and Compline. It was not "the instrument of the people," as the vielle-a-roux (hurdy-gurdy), the symphonie's descendant, became to be known several hundred years later. My Medeival Symphonie is based on one of the illuminations in The Cantigas de Santa Maria manuscripts (Figure 1), which were begun during the reign of Alfonso X "El Sabio" (1221-1284) and are one of the most extensive collections of medieval Hispanic verse and music. It comprises 420 narrative and lyric poems, almost all accompanied by music, in praise of the Virgin Mary. The Cantigas de Santa Maria illuminations are considered to be some of the finest and most important examples of medieval art. The symphonie is a simplification
of the large two-man organistrum used in 10th and 11th century services.
Figure 2 shows a carving of two religious figures using such an instrument.
This is on the Portica de la Gloria of the cathedral in Sanitago de Compostella
(1168-1188). One person turns the wheel, and the other operates keys which
tilt or move horizontally to stop the strings. E-mail or call for price and availability. |
