ABSTRACT
In tracing the literature on the role of ‘Convent Music’ in early modern Europe, one is immediately confronted with a patchwork of issues that arise from the roles of women, both secular and religious, in the numerous communities of nation, church, society and culture. The resulting tapestry is both rich and multi-layered. On one hand, the literature abounds with discussion of women’s ability to harness the emotional and spiritual power of music in their worship. On the other, just as prevalent are the discussions of the tension surrounding that power in the hands of women, as well as the social, religious and legal clashes over the control of female music-makers. Thus, while the documentation testifies to the ways in which nuns used music and musical ability to create a place of authority and worth, it also reflects the larger questions of women’s agency in early modern society.
