Musical Sources

Abstract This chapter explores patterns in the manuscripts of the song repertory. Size is an important first decision in assembling a manuscript. The chapter considers the evidence for the existence of partbooks; the appearance of songs in paintings, intarsia and scrolls; and the evidence that there are now far more autograph copies by known composers than was recently thought. Confusion is caused by foliations and indexes. The chapter discusses evidence of materials and painting as indications of the social context of a source and the layout and use of space as indicators of the same. Finally it outlines materials that have come to light in recent years as a hopeful sign that more will emerge in the future.