Funeral Music in Vila Boa de Goyaz: Contextualizing a Collection of Manuscripts

Abstract

The goal of this work is to contextualize a collection of manuscripts found in the city of Vila Boa de Goyaz, and dated 1908, focusing on two sacred pieces for voice and instruments: a Missa de Requiem a 4, and a Memento, also a 4, and alternated with plainchant. The material also incorporates fragments of a Te Deum, alternated as well, and a Veni creator spiritus. The study of these copies reveals important details concerning the musical life of the former capital of the state of Goiás, at the end of the nineteenth, and beginning of the twentieth century, especially regarding the insertion of music in funeral ceremonies, with all the practical aspects involving its performance.
Keywords: Funeral music; Brazilian Sacred Music; Music in Goiás; Requiem; Memento.