Papal Bull of John XXII De vita et honestate clericorum
  • I was wondering if any of you have ever heard of this Papal Bull written in 1323 by John XXII at Avignon? Edward Schaefer references it in his book Catholic Music Through the Ages on p. 66 but I am unable to find it anywhere, even in a list. It is supposed to mention the primacy of chant.

    Thanks
  • Ted
    Posts: 204
    This can be found in book 3, chapter 1 of the Extravagantes communes of pope John, entitled, De Vita et honestate clericorum. A complete English translation of this short section can be found in Robert Hayburn's, Papal Legislation on Sacred Music. The Bull was actually not so much about the primacy of chant, but about eliminating the abuses that had set in when the liturgy was sung to new contrapuntal compositions, such as use of the vernacular, dissonances, too hidden plainchant melodies and their rhythmic modifications, and the general difficulty of following the words.
  • Thanks! Another good quote can be found in the 1324 document Docta sanctorum patrum of John XXII.