O Cancioneiro Portuguez Da Vaticana
1878
'O Cancioneiro Portuguez Da Vaticana' is a scholarly work by Teófilo Braga, first published in 1878. It critically analyzes the 'Cancioneiro Portuguez' from the Vatican Library, a significant collection of Portuguese lyrical poetry from the late Middle Ages. Braga explores the historical and cultural context of this poetry, its connections to contemporary works, and the influence of prominent troubadours. This book is essential for understanding the evolution of Portuguese literary heritage and advocates for the appreciation of its poetic legacy.
About O Cancioneiro Portuguez Da Vaticana
Chapter Summaries
- Introduction
- Braga introduces the significance of the Vatican Portuguese Cancioneiro and criticizes Portuguese institutions for neglecting this important national document. He outlines the responsibilities that should be undertaken to properly study this collection.
- 1
- Analysis of the Count of Barcellos' songbook mentioned in his 1350 testament. Braga argues this was not solely the Count's compositions but a compilation of contemporary troubadour poetry, including Breton lais.
- 2
- Examination of King Diniz's songbook, which formed a major part of various collections. Braga discusses how this collection was copied and distributed, including references in King Duarte's library catalog.
Key Themes
- Cultural Preservation
- The urgent need to preserve and study Portugal's medieval literary heritage before it is lost forever. Braga emphasizes how foreign scholars have done more to preserve Portuguese culture than Portuguese institutions themselves.
- Institutional Critique
- Sharp criticism of Portuguese academic institutions, particularly the Royal Academy of Sciences of Lisbon, for neglecting their duty to preserve and study national literary monuments.
- Scholarly Methodology
- The importance of rigorous philological analysis in understanding medieval texts. Braga demonstrates detailed comparative analysis of manuscripts to establish relationships between different songbook collections.
Characters
- Teófilo Braga(protagonist)
- The author and literary scholar conducting this comprehensive analysis of Portuguese medieval songbooks. He serves as the primary voice examining the relationships between various cancioneiros from the 13th and 14th centuries.
- Conde D. Pedro (Count of Barcellos)(major)
- Medieval Portuguese nobleman and compiler who owned the 'Livro das Cantigas' mentioned in his 1350 testament. A key figure in the preservation and compilation of troubadour poetry.
- El-rei D. Diniz(major)
- King of Portugal and prolific troubadour whose works form a substantial part of the Vatican Cancioneiro. Represented by 129 compositions in the collection.
- Ernesto Monaci(major)
- Italian philologist and romanist scholar who edited and published the Vatican Cancioneiro. Praised by Braga as the restorer of this precious Portuguese literary document.
- Angelo Colocci(major)
- 16th-century Italian erudite and manuscript collector who owned important Portuguese songbooks. His library suffered during the 1527 sack of Rome.
- Marquez de Santillana(major)
- Spanish nobleman and poet who provided crucial testimony about seeing Portuguese songbooks in his grandmother's house. Born in 1398, his childhood memories are key evidence.
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