The Alamire Manuscripts of Frederick the Wise: Intersections of Music, Art, and Theology.

摘要

In an effort to understand the tripartite relationship of music, art, and theology during the religious turmoil of early sixteenth-century Europe, this thesis explores eleven manuscripts that originated in the famed Alamire scriptorium. Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony, owned these magnificent choirbooks, which have service music (primarily masses) by some of the sixteenth century's most well-known composers, including Pierre de la Rue, Josquin des Prez, Jacob Obrecht, and others. Splendid borders and exquisite miniature paintings in the Ghent-Bruges style are scattered throughout the manuscripts. Most of the artwork---usually coupled with masses dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary---alludes to various aspects of the Virgin's life, particularly her Immaculate Conception, one of the most prominent and controversial doctrines of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.;The first half of this thesis presents a theological context for the manuscripts---a context that until now has been ignored---giving particular attention to Martin Luther and the reformer's impact on his protector, Frederick the Wise. Chapter One traces the evolution of Luther's theology in three specific areas related to the choirbooks: saint worship, icons and images, and the celebration of the mass. Chapter Two explores the life of Frederick the Wise, especially his revitalization of Wittenberg and his extremely complicated relationship with Luther. The second half of the thesis examines the eleven manuscripts, exploring both the aural and visual theological messages woven throughout the folios. Chapter Three offers a brief "biography" of each manuscript in Frederick's Alamire collection including the layout, music, and artwork. In an effort to understand the myriad theological implications in these choirbooks, Chapter Four closely examines the three manuscripts created specifically for the elector that also contain an elaborate miniature program. The final chapter addresses larger issues raised throughout the thesis, concluding that the complexity and enigmatic nature of the manuscripts reflects Frederick himself.