Semitone Indication in a Twelfth-Century Source of Aquitanian Notation in Zamora

Authors

  • Kathleen E. Nelson

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.57885/rpmns.210

Abstract

This paper deals with a set of 12th-century musical fragments, here labelled as Zamora A. It consists of three bifolios numbered in the Archivo Histórico Provincial of Zamora as Pergaminos musicales 196, 199 and 200, one of which (199) has been cut into two pieces. Three signs in its musical notation are critical: the quilisma, the semicircular virga, and the special punctum; their use is here thoroughly discussed. Although it is not possible to give definitive conclusions about the origins of Zamora A, the presence of the special punctum and the interest in semitone indication are certainly suggestive of links with the Missal of Mateus and other Portuguese sources, and with those of the Limoges and Moissac regions.

Author Biography

Kathleen E. Nelson

KATHLEEN NELSON is a member of staff of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney. Her PhD thesis, “Medieval Liturgical Music of Zamora”, was published by the Institute of Mediaeval Music in 1996. Her recent research in the field of medieval music has included further study of a 12th-century Zamoran source, as well as other source studies, including investigation of a manuscript fragment with Aquitanian notation now located in Sydney; and a project on the Exultet in the Iberian Peninsula. She has also undertaken research and publication in the field of Australian music.

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Published

2014-12-20

How to Cite

Nelson, K. E. (2014). Semitone Indication in a Twelfth-Century Source of Aquitanian Notation in Zamora. Portuguese Journal of Musicology, 7–24. https://doi.org/10.57885/rpmns.210

Issue

Vol 14/15 (2004-2005)

Section

Articles (peer-reviewed)