This following podcast features Michigan State University College of Music Associate Professor of Musicology Dr. Sarah Ann Long discussing her second book, Music, Liturgy, and Confraternity Devotions in Paris and Tournai, 1300-1550 (University of Rochester Press, 2021). This book explores the musical and religious practices of men and women who belonged to confraternities or guilds, which were organizations constructed around trades. Each confraternity had a patron saint, and its members would come together on a regular basis to take part in masses and other religious devotions involving music that would focus on the martyrdom and healing properties of the saint. Confraternity members were integrally involved in constructing these religious devotions. Such communities were central to the lives of men and women throughout the middle ages and renaissance, and their musical practices had a hand in shaping those of the Catholic Church for centuries.

Select the book image to hear this discussion on the Cantus Planus Podcast series. Cantus Planus is the International Musicological Society’s chant study group. It includes members from every continent who do research on chant cross culturally. Their podcasts aim to publicize the work of the organization, which focuses on the role of chant in cultural history.