Notes on Musical Practice at the Monastery of Santo Tirso: Chapelmasters, Singers and Organists (17th-19th centuries)

Abstract

A historical approach to activity in the Porruguese Benedictine monasteries, which attempts to place musical practice within its context, constitutes a contribution towards the study of sacred music in Portugal. This article seeks to add to our knowledge of the Benedictine monastery of Santo Tirso between the 17th and 19th centuries as an institution that promoted both the practice and teaching of music. The chapelmasters, singers and organists who worked at the monastery are presented, and episodes of musical practice relating to liturgical ceremonies and monastic life there are described. Attention is also drawn to the role of the musical training of the monks.