Organistes i mestres de capella de la diòcesi de Girona

Abstract

From 1554 to 1835, the musical practice was established in the diocese of Girona in 26 parishes, 6 monasteries, 3 collégial churches and 2 sanctuaries. All these places have a permanent organist, 37 churches, besides that of the Cathedral. Person who takes charge of organist must compose some new musical pieces and teach music without any gratification. Moreover in 7 localities, there was charge of chapel master. They were supported with foundations that become impoverished by the freeing from mortmain of 1835. The number of organists increased still between the years 1875 and 1936. The fall of number of priests after 1939 caused a drastic diminution of the ecclesiastical music, although we can test a devaluation of the musical function in the diocese of Girona from the beginning of XX century. In the article the foundations and also 391 organists and chapel masters of the diocese, between the years 1554 and 1987, are documented, from the Diocesan Archives of Girona.