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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.
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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 |
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