Product Description

The Sound of Medieval Song is a study of how sacred and secular music was actually sung during the Middle Ages. The source of the information is the actual notation in the early manuscripts as well as statements found in approximately 50 theoretical treatises written between the years 600-1500. The writings describe various singing practices and both desirable and undesirable vocal techniques, providing a fairly accurate picture of how singers approached the music of the period.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2095252 in Books
• Published on: 1998-06-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 232 pages

Review
`A positive and thought-provoking aspect of McGee's study is its bringing together of so many diverse theoretical sources ... This painstaking collation of extracts, translations and bibliographical information allows the reader to sample and then follow up rare, often hard-to-locate sources: such an arrangement will undoubtedly serve as a valuable resource for students and scholars alike.' Emma Dillon, Journal of the Royal Musical Association, Vol 124, Part 2

`this book contains an important collection of material to which others will add their scholarly ornamentations.' Anthony Pryer, Goldsmith's College, London, TLS, 16/10/98

`McGee's contribution to the continuing research related to the sound, performance, and understanding of medieval song is both relevant and thorough. The numerous charts, tables, and musical examples illustrate and support the author's conclusions. The book presents a strong, basic understanding of the style of singing and ornamentation in the Middle Ages, how it changed over the centuries, and a more general impression of the stylistic differences from one geographic area to another.' Brad Eden, TMR, 02/11/99

About the Author

Timothy J. McGee studied at Universities of Notre Dame, Yale, Connecticut, and Pittsburgh. He is Founding Director of The Toronto Consort.