Balther of Säckingen, bishop of Speyer, composer of chants for St Fridolin ca. 970
David Hiley
Balther of Säckingen was a remarkable scholar, writer and composer, who born about 930, made bishop Speyer in 970, died 986 or 987. Educated at the famous monastery St. Gallen, he went as wandering student search learning far North Spain. He had special veneration for St Fridolin, founder convent Säckingen. On his travels found copy Life memorized it, wrote it down on return home, composed chants to be sung feast day saint, sent both (vita) (historia) one former teachers Gallen approval. says them “per musicam artem”, “according art music”. This paper tells how Balther’s came compares with others order understand what considered “musical art” around 970.
Studia Musicologica