Patrocínio e «performance practice» em Lisboa e proximidades na segunda metade do século XVIII e começo do século XIX

Abstract

A systematic study of the yearly «manifestos» of the «directors», members of the Santa Cecília Guild of Lisbon, provides numerous informations about the musical ensembles engaged for the feasts, and their financing. This patronizing may be individual, especially among the nobility, but also among the elites (higher executives, magistrates, financiers, merchants, officers, diplomats, ecclesiastics). When it is collective, Government, military, sanitary and religious organizations, as well as fraternities, intervene. Statistical elaboration shows a generalized use of small ensembles of musicians (singers and players), frequently one man to a part. Purely a cappella performances average 10%, those with basso continuo (almost always at the organ) twice as many. The viola is very scarcely used. Flute, clarinet, and trombone only appear very late. Frequent performances of purely instrumental music in places of worship are worth noting. The number of hired musicians is fixed not only according to financial possibilities but also according to the size of festive venues.