The vigils of medieval Tuscany
Benjamin Brand
Abstract Of the liturgical ceremonies enacted by papal court in Middle Ages, few were as distinctive ‘double offices’ that occurred on nights before high feasts of Sanctorale. These consisted two night offices, a private ‘vigil’ pope and his entourage at dusk public office normal hour Matins. Even this custom flourished Rome through twelfth century, it concomitantly migrated north to cathedrals throughout Tuscany. Typically comprising only one nocturn, Tuscan vigils shed their once character, presenting selection plainsong lessons convenient for laity. They likewise acquired distinctively civic overtones cathedral clerics employed them honour local patron saints. Nowhere was transformation more evident than Florence Lucca, where Sts Zenobius Reparata, Regulus Martin emerged eminently spectacles. In way, transformed venerable Roman tradition into an emblem well ecclesiastical prestige.
Plainsong & Medieval Music