‘the Sounds of the Hollow Mountain’: Musical Tradition and Innovation in Seville Cathedral in the Early Renaissance

Seville Cathedral's musical tradition during the early Renaissance (1434–1517) evolved in tandem with its Gothic architectural transformation, adapting to liturgical changes and spatial acoustics. The study reveals that royal visits to Seville, particularly under Ferdinand and Isabel, intensified musical exchange between the cathedral and royal chapels, fostering a flourishing polyphonic repertory. This period marked a significant increase in composer activity and the integration of complex music into liturgical ceremonies, reflecting broader reforms in ecclesiastical institutions across Castile and Aragon. The research combines historical analysis with spatial and acoustic considerations to demonstrate how architectural and musical developments were mutually reinforcing.

Jiménez, J. R. (2010). ‘THE SOUNDS OF THE HOLLOW MOUNTAIN’: MUSICAL TRADITION AND INNOVATION IN SEVILLE CATHEDRAL IN THE EARLY RENAISSANCE. Early Music History, 29, 189–239. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0261127910000094