As melodias de Kyrie nos manuscritos portugueses de cantochão entre 1400 e 1650

Abstract

Kyrie eleison is the first of five chants that are common to all eucharistic celebrations, belonging to the Mass Ordinary, as well as the Gloria, Credo (at major solemnities), Sanctus and Agnus Dei. Although the text remains the same, these chants can assume different melodies depending on the festivity, melodies of variable popularity and which may also linked to local practices or enjoy limited circulation. A survey of this chant from Portuguese chant manuscripts, dating from between circa 1400 and 1650, enabled the bringing together of forty-five manuscript sources. The objective of this study was the identification and analysis of these melodies with the purpose of understanding the way in which this chant was adopted in Portugal.