A música no Convento de Cristo em Tomar : (desde finais do século XV até finais do século XVIII)

“This work reveals the musical past of the Convent of Tomar, the main house of what was considered the most powerful and emblematic Portuguese religious order: the Order of Christ. Revisiting a brief investigation conducted a hundred years ago by Sousa Viterbo – the only previous study on the musicians of this convent – it is concluded that this was one of the most important centres of musical activity in Portugal. Tomar is comparable to Coimbra, with a Chapel recognised for the excellence of its music at the end of the 16th century, and a majestic instrumental and vocal practice during the 17th century, with its own music written by Friar Fernando de Almeida (1604-1660), the most prominent composer of the Order, which is a remarkable example of Portuguese Mannerist music.

“This book offers the most comprehensive biography of this composer, who, unfortunately, met a tragic and unjust end at the hands of the Inquisition. The liturgical-musical practice in the Order of the Temple — an unexpected and original subject of study — became a starting point for understanding the ceremonial and liturgical-musical practice of the Order of Christ, which succeeded it in Portugal. Finally, the discovery of a music collection from Tomar, entirely unpublished and linked to the church of St John the Baptist in Tomar, may be the first piece of the puzzle, still to be reconstructed, of the musical repertoire of the churches of the Order of Christ.”
Cristina Cota