Musica cum littera: Motets of the 13th century
Ensemble Scholastica presents

Musica cum littera: Motets of the 13th century

In-person Event
June 4th 2022
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm / Doors: 7:00 pm

400, rue Saint-Paul Est, Montréal, QC, Canada
For more information about this event, please contact Ensemble Scholastica at info@ensemblescholastica.ca.

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Musica cum littera, or “music with text,” is how the motet was first described when the form was invented in the 12th century. Indeed, the term motet is derived from the French “mot” (“word”). The addition of poetry to one or more lines of polyphony was first practised in a liturgical setting. By the 13th century, however, the motet had become an entirely newly composed and independent art form that was one of the favourite vehicles for the artistic pursuits of Parisian students. In its heyday, the early motet could include up to four different Latin and/or French texts on a variety of topics, from politics to courtly love—each on a different line and all sung simultaneously.

For this program of 13th-century motets, Ensemble Scholastica will perform as an a capella sextet. The repertoire will be a sampling of the most beautiful, playful, romantic and hilarious works from the churches and halls (and bars!) of 13th-century Paris.

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Musica cum littera, or “music with text,” is how the motet was first described when the form was invented in the 12th century. Indeed, the term motet is derived from the French “mot” (“word”). The addition of poetry to one or more lines of polyphony was first practised in a liturgical setting. By the 13th century, however, the motet had become an entirely newly composed and independent art form that was one of the favourite vehicles for the artistic pursuits of Parisian students. In its heyday, the early motet could include up to four different Latin and/or French texts on a variety of topics, from politics to courtly love—each on a different line and all sung simultaneously.

For this program of 13th-century motets, Ensemble Scholastica will perform as an a capella sextet. The repertoire will be a sampling of the most beautiful, playful, romantic and hilarious works from the churches and halls (and bars!) of 13th-century Paris.

info@ensemblescholastica.ca
www.ensemblescholastica.ca

Ensemble Scholastica

Founded in 2008 by musicologist Pascale Duhamel, Ensemble Scholastica is a group of talented and dedicated vocalists from Montréal’s thriving early music community, some of whom also play medieval instruments. Leading medievalist Rebecca Bain has directed the ensemble since 2012.

Ensemble Scholastica is Canada’s only female vocal ensemble that specializes in the performance of medieval plainchant and polyphony (from the 9th to the 14th century). While our work begins with the study of medieval manuscripts, historical authenticity is not our only objective. Our goal is to share with listeners the beauty and intricacy of medieval music, particularly the medieval liturgical traditions that are at the very root of Western music. We offer our audiences the opportunity to experience the remarkable joy and complexity of European medieval spirituality and culture.

Over the past few years, Ensemble Scholastica has been involved in numerous projects and collaborations. Recent and upcoming seasons include the liturgical music of New France—a rarely performed repertoire that Scholastica is uniquely well-placed to explore.

ensemblescholastica.ca

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