The Las Huelgas codex: Some Theories Concerning its Compilation and Use

Authors

  • Wesley D. Jordan

Abstract

ln spite of condemnation by the Pope and Cistercian hierarchy of the use of polyphonic music in the liturgy, the early 14th-century 'Las Huelgas Manuscript' (Hu) was probably compiled as a working copy at the Monastery of Las Huelgas, Burgos. There is substantial evidence to link the manuscript with Johan Rodrigues, probably an aide of the Portuguese princess D. Branca. The polyphony it contains, especially the motets, was most likely to have been performed during solemn ceremonies, including funerals, and in the paraliturgies, such as anniversary or foundation commemorations. The author concludes that most of the unique features of Hu ultimately need to be related to its place of origin.

Author Biography

Wesley D. Jordan

WESLEY D. JORDAN undertook practical musical studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Australia, and higher studies in medieval music and the organ at the University of New England. His interest in Portuguese music and organs was encouraged by the late Luís Esteves Pereira and Carlos de Azevedo and has resulted in diverse publications relating to liturgical music and musical manuscripts and organ building. Current projects include a study of the particular liturgies used by the Cistercian nuns of Arouca and, in conjunction with Gerhard Doderer, a reappraisal of late eighteenth-century Portuguese organs and organ music.

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Published

2014-12-20

How to Cite

Jordan, W. D. (2014). The Las Huelgas codex: Some Theories Concerning its Compilation and Use. Portuguese Journal of Musicology, 6, 7–82. Retrieved from https://rpm-ns.pt/index.php/rpm/article/view/87

Issue

Vol. 6 (1996)

Section

Articles (peer-reviewed)