An inconspicuous relative of the Speciálník Codex. On Dating and Structure of the Manuscript CZ-Pu VI C 20a
Abstract
As the Bohemian manuscript CZ-Pu VI C 20a has been recorded by RISM, it is since then generally known as a source of several polyphonic pieces copied from the late 15th Century onwards. The source has been until now quoted as a concordance to other Bohemian Utraquist manuscripts with a locally disseminated repertory of polyphony composed before 1450, or later in a retrospective style.
Concerning identified international repertory, it contains Sanctus by Johannes Pullois transmitted in the Trento Codices, Strahov Codex and Speciálník Codex. The reading of CZ-Pu VI C 20a is almost identical with Speciálník, it has been considered as a later copy of the late 1480s entry in that manuscript.
A closer look to the codicological structure of CZ-Pu VI C 20a which is at the first sight a compilation of fascicles written within several decades, and the identification of the repertory copied before 1500 make a new discussion on the musical culture of the late 15th century Bohemia possible. Not only concordances but also scribal hands shared with the Speciálník Codex provoke questions on the institutional background of copying and performance of polyphony, traditionally connected with Latin schools and brotherhoods of literati in the musicological discourse on the period.