The motets of Jacob Handl in inter-confessional Silesian liturgical practice

Abstract

Numerous works by Jacob Handl – Gallus, especially manuscripts dating from before his music was printed in Prague, are connected with certain Silesian towns where he spent time in his youth. These compositions clearly reflect liturgical practice of the time. Thanks to characteristics of the composer’s style they fell into into a category of “classic” repertory that was much valued in the liturgical practice of the period in Silesia, in Catholic as well as in Protestant circles. Handl’s motets found many uses, and because of their popularity came to form a cornerstone of the institutionally accepted Renaissance repertory of figural music.