Alcuin and the Music of Friendship
C. Stephen Jaeger
Alcuin and the Music of Friendship1 C. Stephen Jaeger (bio) 798 was not a good year for Saxons. Chafing under harsh edicts issued by Charlemagne decade half before, smarting from strings disastrous defeats, they seized murdered royal legates in early 798. Outraged, gathered great army, which came together at Minden on Weser River July mounted terrible campaign destruction, moving to Elbe, laying waste everything their path fire sword. The Saxon army opposing them allowed itself be trapped field bordered Schwentine River, where 4000 were slaughtered. Those who fled panic pursued killed Franks. That is, broadly sketched, political military context Alcuin’s letter Charlemagne, numbered 149 Ernst Duemmler’s edition MGH, datable 22, It responds king has been lost, but clearly written midst contained, along with specific questions about astronomical astrological matters, request musical composition his tutor court favorite, now installed [End Page S105] since 796 as Abbot St.-Martin Tours. Here is an English translation parts relevant my topic:2 To sweetest most truly beloved lord, David Magnificent, crowned God, Flaccus, veteran soldier, [sends wishes your] perpetual well-being happiest all your letters reached me, reviving me I fevered, reawakening slept, or rather striving reinvigorate lay stricken disease inertia. also admonished mix sweet melody versifying amidst horrible din clashing weapons raucous blare trumpets, gentle refrain can mollify savage impulses mind. Even if noble stability mind remains perpetually unmoved its unmovable fortress scale justice balance unbowed strength, still, you wished that fierceness boys might softened sweetness some song other. This too foresaw wisest counsel, [namely] wholesome counsel often no effect rasped anger, just contrary persistent mental softness wont undermine fortitude. But amid these various kinds afflictions prudent temperament holds S106] middle path. From this vantage point it both dampens swelling rage revives idle composes things peace through counsel. We read ancient books history sort virtue essential those waging war: wise temperance should rule govern must done. For seems there are three one bear dealing enemy: deception, peace. As first, adversary conquered nation’s strength? not, then matter solved trickery ingenious subterfuges. And ineffective, would seem sole means settling enmities hatred [inimicitiarum odia]. However, Flaccian pipes [i.e. music] may avail soothe ungentle minds any extent, think done diligence time personal obligations permit. In meantime, however, Flaccus shall proceed carry out faithfully urgency what authority deigned demand Meginfried, devoted treasurer. goodness know certain fact greater desire, only right, help way possible. Therefore, word “friend” derives “custodian soul” [amicus dicitur quasi animi custos], strives full commitment loyalty keep soul friend intact...
Modern Language Notes