Cappella Sanctae Catharinae sponsors recycled musical manuscript at the Notarial Archives
Cappella Sanctae Catharinae is once again collaborating with the Notarial Archives Resource Council, this time to sponsor the conservation of a recycled musical manuscript at the Notarial Archives.
Cappella Sanctae Catharinae, Malta's only all-male vocal ensemble, was set up in 2009 by a small group of male singers sharing a common passion for renaissance and baroque polyphonic music. The choir has been very supportive of NARC and on various occasions organised and participated in events held in aid of the preservation of the priceless paper heritage at the Notari- al Archives.
The volume adopted by Cappella Sanctae Catharinae was aptly chosen to suit the interests of the choir. The volume, which belongs to the acts of Notary Salvatore Ciantar who practised in Vittoriosa for over six decades from 1594 to 1657, has a remarkable cover made from a recycled material.
The recycling of liturgical manuscripts was common during this period, especially after the reforms brought about by the Council of Trent, which resulted in parts of music and text becoming redundant. Moreover, as the popularity of saints with the local populace waxed and waned through the years, some cults were no longer commemorated, thus rendering the associated liturgical texts redundant.
It is highly probable that the cover of the adopted volume once formed part of a hymnal as it includes the music from a sequence which was sung after the Alleluia. The music appears to belong to the liturgy of St Vincent of Saragossa, who enjoys widespread devotion in Spain but for whom no cult has been found in Malta.
Interestingly, his hagiography is quite similar to that of St Laurence, whose cult in Vittoriosa is an ancient one. Stylistically, this fragment possibly points towards the production of a late 16th century Italian scriptorium.
The conservation of this volume was carried out by qualified book and paper conservator, Lisa Camilleri under the supervision of head conservator, Dr Theresa Zammit Lupi.
Cappella Sanctae Catharinae’s sponsorship is to be commended since such support towards the Notarial Archives stems from other voluntary organisations. The active participation of volun- tary organisations, NGOs and the private sector is essential to raise public awareness and consciousness about Malta’s cultural heritage and identity among the general public. This dynamic involvement will ultimately help to generate further necessary funds for the conservation of our invaluable paper heritage.