The UBC Theatre and Film Program’s research seminar presents a talk by guest speaker
CHANTAL PHAN (Dept of French, Hispanic and Italian Studies, and Medieval Studies Program).
Title: “TEXT AND MUSIC IN THE LITURGICAL DRAMA OF MEDIEVAL FRANCE”
Abstract:
Like its European counterparts, French liturgical drama combines Gregorian chant and secular melodies, history and fiction, life lessons and comedic action. Stemming, in the 11th century, from a simple dialogue in the sung Latin liturgy of Easter, this form of drama remained closely linked with the Christian feast days, but grew into full-fledged plays, incorporating newly composed songs, borrowings from the troubadour and trouvère love lyric, sections in the vernacular languages, and new characters.
Examples in this presentation will be taken from works that Chantal Phan has had opportunities to approach as a philologist, specialist of medieval literature, performer, singers’ coach, and musicologist:
They are an Epiphany play, “Tractus stellae” (12th c.), the Easter play, “Ludus paschalis” (11th-13th c.), and the Play of St Agnes (14th c.). Aspects discussed will be: text-music structure, melodic borrowing, imitation and novelty, characterisation, and dramatic expression.
Chantal Phan is currently planning the 2015 joint UBC Medieval Workshop / Gregorian Institute of Canada Conference on liturgical drama.
…..
Tuesday, February 4th,
11:45-12:45
Room 112 in Frederic Wood Theatre.
Everyone is welcome.
Information:
Selena Couture
selena.couture@ubc.ca