Work and Play in Sacred Music and its Social Context, c. 1050–1250
Susan Boynton
In the central and high Middle Ages, liturgical singing was a form of work, even if it is absent from typology ‘work’ as understood by modern historians. The notion ‘three orders’, dividing society into those who pray, fight, does not acknowledge laborious character medieval monastic horarium . On occasion, however, singers could also experience liturgy in lighter vein. Clerical celebrations during Octave Christmas transformed musical work its mirror image, resulting play that structured image illustrated cathedral ordinals dramas. Indeed, opposition between strictly maintained daily structure release routine ludic element annual festivities – crossing boundary use abuse time. To demonstrate significance boundary, this paper will analyse texts show perception then turn to sources demonstrating process which material subverted play.
Studies in Church History