Między katedrą a dworem. Muzycy w służbie biskupa elektora Franciszka Ludwika von Pfalz-Neuburg

Abstract

The last will of Prince-Bishop Franz Ludwig von Pfalz-Neuburg, unknown until now, reveals significant information as regards his artistic patronage, especially involving the bishop’s musical ensemble. Names of musicians can be found there along with information on their musical skills. These details enable identification of musicians and composers known from other ensembles after Bishop Neuburg’s death. Based on the research the authors of the article indicated that in the group of musicians of the bishop’s ensemble there were highly valued composers and instrumentalists, whose works survived in both court and church collections. Particularly interesting are manuscripts in Silesian collection of musical scores, especially Wrocław collection in Warsaw, which were also presented in the article. These compositions can be presently seen as examples not only of the ensemble repertoire, but also of the presence of the musicians-virtuosos in Wrocław and presumably in Nysa and other residences of Prince-Bishop Franz Ludwig von Pfalz-Neuburg. The article also mentions other members of the bishop’s retinue as well as people who were not named in the last will but probably had connections with the court of Bishop Neuburg in Nysa and other places. According to the source found by the authors the musicians were in constant journeys with their patron, who in a distinct and refined way marked Silesia, especially Wrocław and Nysa, on a musical map of Europe during his pontificate and political career.