The Mechelen Choirbook
Few works of art capture the time frame, music and atmosphere of a period in history as well as the Mechelen Choir Book.
According to experts, it is one of the finest and best-preserved 16th-century parchment manuscripts. Time to unravel the secrets of this unique piece of art.
Flemish polyphony
The story of this choir book starts with music. During the Burgundian period, Flemish polyphony is at its peak. Polyphony, in fact, means several melodies resonating at the same time.
For centuries, voices have been singing to the same tune and rhythm. Just think of the Gregorian chants that still resound in Catholic churches today. From the 12th century onwards, polyphony is introduced: each voice now has its own melody.
Listen - Flemish Polyphony
Myn hert altyt heeft verlanghen Naer U die alderliefste myn U liefde heeft my ontfanghen U eighen vry wil ick zyn Voor al de weereltgemeene Soe wie dat hoort oft ziet Hebdy myn herte alleene Daarom lief en begheeft my niet
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Pierre de La Rue: Myn hert altyt heeft verlanghen - Perfomance: Capilla Flamenca
Great masters of polyphony
In the 15th and 16th century, Flanders excels in this polyphony. Composers and musicians settle here and make a name for themselves with a sound all of their own. It makes them the most sought-after musicians of the moment.
Composer Pierre De la Rue is one of them. He works at the Habsburg court under Maximilian I, Philip the Handsome and Margaret of Austria.
Seven masses in one book
The Mechelen choir book is a superb example of Flemish polyphony. It is a music notation on parchment from around 1515.
The seven masses in the work are composed by two great masters of Flemish polyphony: Mathias Pipelare and Pierre de la Rue. The latter, incidentally, is the favourite court composer of Margaret of Austria.
Miniatures by Alamire
Unique to the Mechelen choirbook are the miniatures or small illustrations. These were meant to literally illuminate the scores.
They are by Petrus Alamire, one of the most talented music calligraphers of his time.
Take the opening miniature of this choir book. You may see Charles V on the throne there. The kneeling woman in blue is Margaret herself.
Next to him are three ecclesiastical and three secular characters. What do they tell us about the spirit of the times?
Diplomatic gift
Some claim the choirbook is commissioned by Margaret of Austria, others argue it was her father Maximilian of Austria.
Precious manuscripts were often commissioned at the Habsburg court on the occasion of an important visit, marriage or political agreement.
It is therefore not inconceivable that the choirbook contains a second, political-ideological layer in addition to music.
Perhaps Maximilian or Margaret of Austria commissions this choirbook to be given to her diplomatic contacts. Or as a gift to the young Charles V.
Gone for centuries
The choirbook disappears from view shortly after its completion circa 1515. We suspect it will remain in the palace of Margaret of Austria, today the Mechelen court.
As to who will be in possession of it in the coming centuries, we are unaware. What is certain is that the unknown owners will carefully protect the precious work for centuries.
Only in 1860 does the manuscript resurface.
In the late nineteenth century, the choirbook suddenly appears in the Mechelen city archives. There it remains for the next century. It rarely leaves the thick walls of the archive.
Gustaaf Van Hoey, posing with a choirbook (c. 1870 - 1880). Collection: City Archives of Mechelen
Requests to exhibit the choirbook abroad are almost always turned down. Only in the 1990s the choirbook is shown for the first time at select exhibitions at home and abroad.
Essential piece of history
Fortunately, today, the choir book is more accessible than ever. The authentic choirbook is on display in the permanent exhibition of Museum Hof van Busleyden since 2018.
Here you can have a closer look and simultaneously listen to the splendid sounds. An ode to Flemish polyphony.
Partners
On loan: Mechelen City Archives
Images: Mechelen City Archives, Alamire Foundation, Regionale Beeldbank, Jan Smets
In 2007, the choirbook was recognised as a Flemish Masterpiece. Since 2023, the Mechelen choirbook is part of the Canon of Flanders.