Le Chansonnier Cordiforme
Chansonnier de Jean de Montchenu


[Paris, Bibliothèque Nationale, Ms. Rothschild, 2973]



fol. 23 verso                                                                                                fol. iv recto
Heart-shaped MS, 22 x 16 cm, 144 pp.



This exceptional MS, closed, is shaped like a heart; when open it becomes two hearts joined, representing 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 velvet 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.


Le chansonnier de Jean Montchenu, 2
  

 Le chansonnier de Jean Montchenu, 2


The complete edition is available now, accompanied by a scholarly commentary in English by David Fallows (163 pp).   Euro 3,480
 
Please inquire for special  OMI price

                   
distributed by:

OMI - Old Manuscripts & Incunabula PO Box 6019 FDR Station, New York NY 10150
tel 212/ 758-1946 • www.omifacsimiles.com • immels@earthlink.net