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Le Chansonnier de Jean Montchenu
[Paris,
Bibliothèque Nationale, Ms. Rothschild, 2973]
Heart shaped MS,
22 x 16 cm, 144 pp.
This
exceptional MS, closed, is shaped like a
heart; it opens into the shape of a butterfly composed of the hearts of
the two lovers who send love messages to one another in each one of the
songs. When the word “heart” appears in the texts, it is represented by
a pictogram. Two full-page illustrations appear in the codex. In the
first, Cupid throws arrows at a young girl while at his side Fortune
spins his wheel. In the other, two lovers approach one another
lovingly. Throughout the MS the pentagrams, music and love poems are
surrounded by borders made up of animals, birds, dogs, cats and all
kinds of flowers and plants highlighted in abundant and delicate gold.
The book gets its name from Jean de Montchenu, a nobleman, apostolic
prothonotary, Bishop of Agen (1477) and later of Vivier (1478-1497) who
commissioned the work. The music repertoire consists of French and
Italian songs written by Dufay, Ockeghem, Busnois and their
contemporaries. Limited edition of 1380 copies bound in red velet after
the original; 2-part slipcase covered in green leather. A clear
acrylic case is also supplied for display purposes. Audio CD with
selection of songs.
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complete edition is available now, accompanied by a scholarly
commentary in English by David Fallows (163 pp). Euro 2,764
Please
inquire for special OMI price |
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