Old Beneventan Melodies in a Breviary at Naples: New Evidence of Old Beneventan Music for the Office
Matthew Peattie
This article discusses previously undocumented examples of music for the old Beneventan divine office in a manuscript housed Archivio Storico Diocesano Naples (Cod. Misc. 1, fasc. VII). The breviary, which was copied at scriptorium Santa Sofia, Benevento, 1161, transmits two unica—canticle antiphons feast St. Mercurius—in style. It also preserves Beneventan-style antiphon Holy Twelve Brothers Benevento that is not transmitted published sources chant. discovery style Mercurius importance to history rite, as it attests continued production distinctive formulaic rite into later eighth century. relics Mercurius, military saint Byzantium, were enshrined altar Sofia 768, and adopted patron court, church city Benevento. Despite establishment cult second half century, until now no musical record has indicated presence this (there extant mass proper documented preserve only Romano-Beneventan or neo-Gregorian-style music). I consider within context argue they should be included canon on basis As pitch-specific exemplars chant, source particular value study pitch modality. Notated fully heightened neumes staff line, these are among few surviving witnesses repertory modal properties notation. introduce their copying from late twelfth centuries.
The Journal of Musicology