Intercultural Composition and the Realisation of Ancient and Medieval Music
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The Trecento Lute
UC Irvine UC Irvine Previously Published Works Title The Trecento Lute Permalink https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1kh2f9kn Author Minamino, Hiroyuki Publication Date 2019 License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 4.0 Peer reviewed eScholarship.org Powered by the California Digital Library University of California The Trecento Lute1 Hiroyuki Minamino ABSTRACT From the initial stage of its cultivation in Italy in the late thirteenth century, the lute was regarded as a noble instrument among various types of the trecento musical instruments, favored by both the upper-class amateurs and professional court giullari, participated in the ensemble of other bas instruments such as the fiddle or gittern, accompanied the singers, and provided music for the dancers. Indeed, its delicate sound was more suitable in the inner chambers of courts and the quiet gardens of bourgeois villas than in the uproarious battle fields and the busy streets of towns. KEYWORDS Lute, Trecento, Italy, Bas instrument, Giullari any studies on the origin of the lute begin with ancient Mesopota- mian, Egyptian, Greek, or Roman musical instruments that carry a fingerboard (either long or short) over which various numbers M 2 of strings stretch. The Arabic ud, first widely introduced into Europe by the Moors during their conquest of Spain in the eighth century, has been suggest- ed to be the direct ancestor of the lute. If this is the case, not much is known about when, where, and how the European lute evolved from the ud. The presence of Arabs in the Iberian Peninsula and their cultivation of musical instruments during the middle ages suggest that a variety of instruments were made by Arab craftsmen in Spain. -
Music in the Bible by Theodore W
Music in the Bible By Theodore W. Burgh Music is an essential element of ancient and modern cultures. It often shapes chronological periods, as did the Motown recordings of the 1960’s and 70’s, and marks what we grieve and celebrate. While many of the uses of music in the ancient Near East are similar to those of today, the sound and experience of music in ancient times was different. It is hard for us to imagine not being able to pull music from the air and download it upon request. In antiquity, people only heard music in live musical performances. Nothing was recorded, sampled, mixed, or mass-marketed. Although we don’t know how ancient music sounded, judging from the ways it was used we do know that music was important then as it is now. By studying the ancient remains of instruments, descriptions of musical activity in texts like the Bible, and artistic representations, we gain valuable information about these enigmatic past societies and peoples—from aspects of relationships between men and women, the types of instruments used in sacred and secular performances, and occasions when music was performed. A glance at several biblical stories reveals the importance of music in the daily life of antiquity. For instance, writers describe how people used music to express an array of emotions, convey valuable information, and entertain. Moreover, there are numerous ceremonies and celebrations in the Bible where musical performance was a major part. Several passages contain descriptions of actual instruments, names of musicians, as well as places and times music was played. -
On Old Macewas, Synagogues and Klezmorim∗
M u z y k a l i a VII · Judaica 2 “There on the willows we hung our”…violins: On Old Macewas, Synagogues and Klezmorim∗ B e n j a m i n V o g e l The fragment of the popular Psalm 137 quoted in the title of this essay signals a new path of inquiry investigating musical instruments as symbols in Judaism, more specifically as decorations of tombstones and synagogues in historically Polish lands and as an iconographic resource for research into the history of musical instruments. During the last few centuries, musical instruments appeared very rarely on Jewish tombstones in Central Europe. Starting with the 18th century they were painted more often on walls inside synagogues as illustrations to Psalms 137 and 150. Most of those temples were made of wood and some of stone, but no wooden synagogue and only a dozen or so stone ones survived World War II. However, some archival photographs and paintings still bear witness to better days. Two important questions remains: how accurately do those iconographical sources reflect the instrumentarium used in biblical and later times and how closely do they reflect the instrumentarium used by Jewish (and other) musicians, especially klezmorim at time the images where created? In this essay I will consider mainly the period from the 18th century up to the present, focusing on all the central and eastern historically Polish territories, excluding Silesia and Pomerania where Jewish culture had a different, more assimilated character than in central lands. One must remember that until the 18th century the Polish Kingdom (since the 16th century the Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth) included the lands of Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine. -
New Breed 2019 August 2019
Media Release For immediate release Sydney Dance Company and Carriageworks, in conjunction with The Balnaves New Breed 2019 Foundation, announce four Australian choreographers commissioned to create works for the acclaimed New Breed initiative that supports Australia’s next generation of choreographers. Meet the new breed of ‘★★★★ Full of a wonderful sense of adventure, but also with the choreographic and Australian dance theatrical nous to pull off an eclectic and consistently satisfying night of dance.’ – TimeOut creators Co-presented by Carriageworks and Sydney Dance Company – with the generous support of The Balnaves Foundation, New Breed 2019 will provide Australian choreographers Josh Mu (Melbourne), Lauren Langlois (Melbourne), Ariella Casu (Sydney) and Davide Di 28 Nov – 7 Dec Giovanni (Sydney) with an invaluable opportunity to work with Australia’s leading Carriageworks, Sydney contemporary dance company on a newly commissioned dance piece. Showcasing a rich diversity of choreographic ideas, this talented group of emerging choreographers will create brand new pieces on members of Sydney Dance Company. These four new works will comprise the New Breed 2019 season from 28 November to 7 December. The New Breed initiative made its debut in November 2014, supporting five emerging Australian choreographers through the commissioning and presentation of new dance work. Four sold out seasons in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 ensued. The sixth instalment in the New Breed initiative will see Carriageworks, Sydney Dance Company and The Balnaves Foundation continue their commitment to the future of Australian contemporary dance, by supporting independent choreographers Josh Mu, Lauren Langlois, Ariella Casu and Davide Di Giovanni. From August, these dance makers will benefit from the extensive support of all the departments of Sydney Dance Company in readiness for their premiere season at Carriageworks, later this year. -
A History of Mandolin Construction
1 - Mandolin History Chapter 1 - A History of Mandolin Construction here is a considerable amount written about the history of the mandolin, but littleT that looks at the way the instrument e marvellous has been built, rather than how it has been 16 string ullinger played, across the 300 years or so of its mandolin from 1925 existence. photo courtesy of ose interested in the classical mandolin ony ingham, ondon have tended to concentrate on the European bowlback mandolin with scant regard to the past century of American carved instruments. Similarly many American writers don’t pay great attention to anything that happened before Orville Gibson, so this introductory chapter is an attempt to give equal weight to developments on both sides of the Atlantic and to see the story of the mandolin as one of continuing evolution with the odd revolutionary change along the way. e history of the mandolin is not of a straightforward, lineal development, but one which intertwines with the stories of guitars, lutes and other stringed instruments over the past 1000 years. e formal, musicological definition of a (usually called the Neapolitan mandolin); mandolin is that of a chordophone of the instruments with a flat soundboard and short-necked lute family with four double back (sometimes known as a Portuguese courses of metal strings tuned g’-d’-a”-e”. style); and those with a carved soundboard ese are fixed to the end of the body using and back as developed by the Gibson a floating bridge and with a string length of company a century ago. -
The Renaissance Cittern
The Renaissance Cittern Lord Aaron Drummond, OW [email protected] 1. HISTORY,DEVELOPMENT, CONSTRUC- while chromatic citterns are more associated with Italian TION and English music. [3] As far as the body of the instrument goes, citoles and ear- The Renaissance cittern most likely developed from the lier citterns had the back, ribs and neck carved from a single medieval citole. The citole was a small, flat-backed instru- block of wood with the soundboard and fingerboard being ment with four strings. It was usually depicted as having added. Later citterns were constructed from a flat back, frets and being plucked with a quill or plectrum. The citole bent ribs and separately carved neck, which cut down on in turn may have developed from a kind of ancient lyre called the materials cost. [10] Constructed citterns differ in con- a kithara by adding a fingerboard and then gradually remov- struction from lutes in that in citterns the back is made ing the (now redundant) arms. [1] The cittern may have been from a single flat piece of wood, whereas the lute has a large viewed as a revival of the ancient Greek instrument despite number (typically ten or more) of ribs which must be sep- being quite different in form. The word kithara also evolved arately bent and joined to the achieve the \bowl" shape. into the modern word guitar. This made lutes substantially more difficult to build as well Some modern instruments such as the German waldzither as more delicate than the cittern. Internally there are braces (literally `forest-cittern') and various Iberian instruments to strengthen the back and the soundboard, but like the lute, (Portuguese guitar, bandurria, etc) claim some descent from guitar, viol, etc there is no soundpost or bass bar. -
Mirrors and Music in the Decameron
Heliotropia 7.1-2 (2010) http://www.heliotropia.org Mirrors and Music in the Decameron t the end of the First Day of Boccaccio’s Decameron, Queen Pam- pinea urges the brigata to make music. Emilia promptly sings “In mine own beauty take I such delight That to no other love could I A 1 my fond affections plight,” a ditty about finding pleasure in one’s own ref- lection. She continues, “why seek out past delights, or new ones try When all content within my glass I find?”2 Scholars have interpreted Emilia’s mirror in myriad ways: as a symbol of truth, of God’s presence, or of Grammar, one of the Liberal Arts.3 In this essay, I will examine the mirror in relation to music, first investigating its significance in the Decameron, followed by a study of parallel examples in the Divine Comedy, visual im- ages of the period, including those by Lorenzetti, Cimabue and Giotto, and Trecento compositions by Lorenzo Masini. In so doing, I will establish that the mirror thoroughly enriched the primary texts in which it was imbed- ded, serving as a symbol of balance, judgment and transcendence. The Decameron’s most prominent mirror appears in Story 8 of the Sixth Day. Emilia, the singer of the mirror song in the First Day, also tells the story of a vainglorious woman: Cesca, the niece of Fresco da Celatico, spends much of her time criticizing others and trumpeting her own vir- tues. At the end of the story, her exasperated uncle implores: “If you can’t bear the sight of horrid people, my girl, I advise you for your own peace of mind, never to look at yourself in the glass” (466).4 This is followed by the 1 Decameron, translated by G. -
Jeremy Montagu Some Mss. in the British Library with Instruments Page 1 of 2
Jeremy Montagu Some Mss. In the British Library with Instruments Page 1 of 2 Some Manuscripts in the British Library with Illustrations of Musical Instruments and a few other sources that I have found FoMRHIQ 2, January 1976,Comm. 8 Arundel 83. Conflation of two English Psalters, East Anglia, c.1310. The second half is known as the de Lisle Psalter. Good source. Includes: long trumpets, harps, citole, bagpipe, bells, fiddle, portative, psaltery, duct flute, pipe & tabor. Cotton, Tib.C.vi. Psalter, mid 11th c. f.30 is well-known; the rest is the usual Boethius improbabilities of the period. Egerton 1139. Queen Melissander’s Psalter, Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, c.1140. The only instrument is a good harp, available asa postcard. The ivory cover is well known: King David playing what might be a dulcimer. Harley 2804. German Bible, 1148. f.3 has a not very good David and musicians. Harley 4425. La Roman de la Rose, pre-1500. 2 folios with music parties. Royal 2.A.xvi. Psalter time of Henry VIII, with annotations by him. Harp, pipe& tabor, short trumpet, dulcimer. Interesting that Henry is one of the musicians (and his fool shuts his ears to avoid his playing). Royal 2.A.xxii. The Westminster Psalter, late 12th c. David with harp and bells (postcard available), another harp. Interesting in that Westminster Abbey has a very similar hemi- spherical bell in the Undercroft exhibition room. Royal 2.B.vii. The Queen Mary Psalter, English early 14th c. well known source with a lot of material, but none quite as good and clear as in other East Anglian psalters (e.g. -
Shaun Parker & Company
Choreographic Workshop 2016 Education Resource Pack PresentedSHAUN by FORM DancePARKER Projects and Shaun & Parker COMPANY & Company Contents 1. Introduction 2. Curriculum links 3. About Shaun Parker & Company 4. About Shaun Parker 5. Introducing the dancers 6. Background on Shaun Parker’s creative process 7. Workshop Descriptions 8. Ideas for further choreographic development 9. Suggestions for discussions 10. Q & A with Shaun Parker 11. Article and Interview with Shaun Parker 12. Special interviews with the Company dancers 13. Copyright and Credits 1. Introduction The Choreographic Workshop provides secondary dance students with the unique opportunity to develop their choreographic skills under the guidance of industry professionals. Led by Artistic Director Shaun Parker and his dancers, the practical workshop introduces choreographic tools and tasks taken from the Company’s production The Yard. Students will experience new ways to generate interesting movement material that can be used for solo, duet and group formations. This process will investigate dramaturgy also. In other words, what can abstract movement say about the human condition? What does the choreography mean? This pack has been designed to provide you with the background information on Shaun Parker & Company and The Yard and will provide an overview of the workshop you will participate in. It will also include additional processes to consider, as well as extra exercises and choreographic ideas that you can work on back at school. 2. Curriculum Links 3. About Shaun Parker & Company Shaun Parker and Company is one of Australia’s leading contemporary dance companies; it is an innovator and pusher of boundaries. Its work takes place on the stages of major international festivals as a result of its artistic and dramaturgical rigour but resonates just as strongly in public spaces, regional Australia and among high school students. -
Sydney Opera House Annual Report 2006-2007
WORLD HERITAGE FOR LIVING PLACE THE WORLD SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE TRUST AnnuaL report 2006-07 Who We Are Key Dates CONTENTS The Hon. Frank Sartor, MP Sydney Opera House is a global One of the most popular visitor 1957 Jørn Utzon wins Sydney Opera House design competition (January) Who We Are 1 Minister for Planning, Minister for Redfern Waterloo landmark, part of our nation’s DNA attractions in Australia, Sydney and Minister for the Arts and provides a central element Opera House sees more than Key Dates 1 1959 Work begins on Stage 1 – building the of the emotional heart of the city 4 million people visiting the site foundations despite Utzon’s protest that Highlights 2006/07 2 Sir, we have the pleasure of presenting the Annual Report of of Sydney. The focal point of our each year. Some 1.2 million people plans were not finalised (March) the Sydney Opera House for the year ended 30 June 2007, for Chairman’s Message 4 magnificent harbour, it is a place attend performances and over 1966 Jørn Utzon resigns (February) presentation to Parliament. This report has been prepared in CEO’s Message 6 of excitement and of warmth, 328,000 people take a guided tour accordance with the provisions of the Annual Reports (Statutory 1973 First guided tours of Sydney Opera House Vision and Goals 8 of welcome and wonder, where to explore the magic inside of one of Bodies) Act 1984 and the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983. ( July) Key Outcomes 2006/07 and art and architecture uniquely the most recognised buildings in the 1973 First performance in Sydney Opera House Objectives 2007/08 9 combine to enchant and enliven world. -
Meryl Tankard: an Original Voice
Meryl Tankard: an original voice. A book by Michelle Potter Meryl Tankard is one of Australia’s most original and daring artists—‘a choreographer of zany brilliance’ wrote dance critic Neil Jillett and ‘a woman of total theatre’ according to opera designer and director Stefanos Lazaridis. Meryl Tankard, an original voice traces Tankard’s life from her earliest journeys in the back of an FJ Holden between Darwin and Melbourne to her exploits as an independent choreographer working between Australia and the rest of the world. It examines her career with the Australian Ballet and with Pina Bausch, looks at the companies she has directed in Canberra and Adelaide and explores the nature of her contribution to Australian and international dance. ISBN: 9780646591445 (pbk) 210 pages, includes bibliography and index, unillustrated Published in Canberra, December 2012 Price in Australia: $30 (includes postage and packing). Please enquire for overseas prices and prices for bulk orders before placing a firm order. HOW TO ORDER Please send your order via the contact box on the website http://michellepotter.org. Be sure to include your name and mailing address. Enquiries may also be made via the contact box. When sending your order, please also pay by direct transfer. Bank: St George BSB: 112‒908 Account number: 150829762 Account name: Dr Michelle A Potter ‘Shouts’ from some who have read the book: ‘It has a sense of drama but also balance, and it brings Meryl and her work to life’; ‘The best and most comprehensive study of Tankard I have read’. This is a self-published initiative. -
Brooklyn Academy of Music 1996 Next Wave Festival
I:)AIVIOIII Brooklyn Academy of Music 1996 Next Wave Festival Jim Dine, The Heart of BAM, 1996, Woodcut, 26-1/4" x 19-3/8" Furioso BAM 1996 Next Wave Festival and 135th Anniversary Season are sponsored by Philip Morris Companies Inc. The Brooklyn Academy of Music Bruce C. Ratner Chairman of the Board Harvey Lichtenstein President & Executive Producer presents urloso• BAM Opera House October 23, 1996 at 7pm October 24-26 at 8pm Running time: Meryl Tankard Australian Dance Theatre approximately Choreography/Direction Meryl Tankard seventy minutes; Set Design Regis Lansac there will be no Costume Design Meryl Tankard intermission Lighting Design Toby Harding Assistant to the Artistic Director Janet Bradley-Bridgman Music by Arvo Part, Elliot Sharp & Henryk Gorecki Cast Vi ncent Crowley Michelle Ryan Sarah-Jayne Howard Solon Ulbrich Mia Mason Gavin Webber Kate Mcl ntosh Ingrid Weisfelt Shaun Parker Steev Zane Operations Supervisor Heather Clarke Stage Manager Felicitas Willems Costume Construction Judith Meschke Head Electrician Toby Harding Head Mechanist Richard Casley-Smith Special support provided by The Harkness Foundations for Dance. Opening night reception sponsored by Interview Magazine, The Donna Karan Company and The Australian Consulate General. The Brooklyn Academy of Music wishes to thank Theatre Development Fund for its support of the 1996 Next Wave Festival. photo, Regis Lansac Sarah Was Ninety Years Old Arvo Part Recorded by the Hilliard Ensemble Digital Elliot Sharp Recorded by the Kronos Quartet Quasi una Fantasia (second string quartet), Op 64 Henryk Gorecki Recorded by the Kronos Quartet I Largo Sostenuto-Mesto II Deciso-Energico; Furioso, Tranquillo-Mesto III Arioso: Adagio Cantabile IV Allegro-Sempre Con Grande Passione E Molto Marcato V Lento-Tranquillissimo Sarah Was Ninety Years Old Arvo Part Recorded by the Hilliard Ensemble Henryk Gorecki Quasi una Fantasia used by arrangement with Boosey and Hawkes, Inc., publisher and copyright owner.