The miniature, inserted in the initial B of the psalm Beatus vir, depicts a concert scene with various instruments, giving particular prominence to the organ and the cymbalum, while King David is placed in a marginal position. The organ, considerably larger than the other instruments, is played by two tonsured organists and is assisted by a bellows operator. The rectangular wind chest is supported by three wind conductors supplying the treble, middle and bass sections. On the front face four rounded keys can be seen, operated by one of the monks; other similar keys are operated laterally by the second organist. The supply system shows a single bellows connected to a common air chest. The presence of two performers recalls the practice documented for the Winchester organ. The ensemble presents realistic elements alongside imprecise perspectival or technical solutions, probably due to the illuminator’s interpretive freedom.
The Munich Manuscript
Date:
13th century
Location:
University Library of Munich (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München)
Author:
Anonymous (13th-century illuminator)
Technique and materials:
Illumination on parchment with inks and colored pigments
Dimensions:
Not documented
Provenance:
Not documented
Sources:
The Hellenistic-Medieval Organ by Jean Perrot
