Ways to discover the collection

Music

Music was very important in the Middle Ages and also played a vital role in church liturgy. Beginning as an oral tradition, in the 9th century written records began to be made and an interest in music theory began to evolve. Two centuries later, a clear musical notation system was introduced that was based on lines and around 1280, Franco of Cologne developed a system of notation that was widely adopted as the standard form.
Special types of books were developed for Mass such as antiphonaries with songs for divine worship, books of responsories (songs sung responsorially between a cantor and the congregation), and books of antiphons (short song segments sung before and after the Psalms). Moreover, certain songs had a fixed place in the Psalter. Old Testament depictions of King David, the conqueror of Goliath, were often chosen to illustrate Psalters, prayer books and hymnals. King David was accepted as the writer of the Psalms and, in this context, was usually depicted as a royal singer with a harp.
As a visual motif, music is often used to symbolise heavenly music and harmony; one example of this are angels depicted playing music. Instruments are a clear reference to St. Cecilia. She has been depicted with an organ since the 15th century on account of her legend and she is revered as the patron saint of sacred music, musicians and instrument makers.