Wolfgang BeckerDie gregorianischen Gesänge des Essener Liber ordinarius

About this book deutschenglish

Liber Ordinarius combines melodies and prayers from liturgies in the Middle Ages. Two versions, the original Essen Liber Ordinarius was published in the mid 14th century, with the later version, Düsseldorf Ms C47 originating at the end of the 15th century. This thesis investigated if Düsseldorf Ms C47 was a direct copy of original Liber Ordinarius or if it was adapted to fit with the times.

70 melodies and songs were converted using specific liturgical contexts allowing the two versions to be compared. The thesis provides transcription of all melodies within the German gothic Hufnagelschrift into the square quotations enabling each melody to be used today.

about the Author:

The author Wolfgang Becker works as a corporate consultant living in the Ruhr Area of Germany. He has studied music, literature, history and business at the universities of Osnabrück, Hagen, Cologne and St. Gallen. For many years he has enjoyed studying sacred music, managing choirs and performing in concerts. His PhD in Gregorian music was under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Stefan Klöckner at the Folkwang University of Art of Essen.