oa The Notation of Fuga-Canons in Vienna, Österreichische Nationalbibliothek, Ms. Mus. 18746

An invaluable source for the secular works of Josquin, Vienna, Österreichische Nationalbibliothek, Ms. Mus. 18746 is also the first known manuscript collection of music for five parts, and one of the few Alamire manuscripts laid out in partbook format. The use of this layout has significant implications for the notation and performance of canons, of which the manuscript contains many examples, mostly of the fuga-type. A careful look reveals several discrepancies in the presentation of these canons. First, the use of signa congruentiae by the various scribes seems to be inconsistent. Furthermore, whereas the resolutions of canons are rarely written out in the Alamire choirbooks, they are almost always present in VienNB Mus. 18746. The notation of resolutions almost always contains small rhythmic or melodic variations between the original dux part and the resolved comes part. Finally, some of the fuga-canons reveal unusual notational features that seem almost absurd considering the layout in separate parts. Analyzing the notation of these canons raises questions concerning the role of the scribes in editing this important manuscript.