Urgèlia Vol. 21 Launched: Church Music Innovations from 1767-1836 Explored

The presentation of the 21st volume of the annual publication *Urgèlia* took place on Friday afternoon at the Seminari Diocesà d’Urgell in La Seu d’Urgell, in an event open to the public presided over by the Bishop of Urgell, Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat.

The bishop opened the session by stressing the importance of cultural investment, noting that "we grow in culture when we invest in culture." He described the gathering as a space for exchange and learning, urging attendees to delve into the texts and highlighting the value of reading and writing with a quote from Victor Hugo: "Whoever reads travels; knowing the roots is loving them." The speakers were introduced by the Arxiver Capitular, Benigne Marquès.

This edition features 11 articles across history, art, and cultural heritage, with a particular focus on the musical patrimony of the Church of Urgell. A key contribution summarises the 2023 doctoral thesis by Joan Benavent Peiró at the University of Andorra, which explores musical innovations at Santa Maria Cathedral from 1767 to 1836. This period marked a golden age for the ensemble, which grew to around 20 well-paid instrumentalists and singers, led by masters of the chapel such as Jaume Balius, Maurici Espona, and Bru Pagueras, alongside the era of Joan Brudieu. Benavent draws comparisons to contemporary scenes in Salzburg and Vienna, where Mozart spearheaded avant-garde developments.

Drawing from the bishopric's archive—over 2,000 previously unexplored scores—the thesis details domestic concerts at priest Joan Batlló's home, secular musical siestas during Corpus Christi and the feast of Saint Francis de Sales, elaborate processions pausing at sites like the Augustinians, locally printed Christmas carol texts, and a 1820 music notebook by Maria Rosa Jordana from the Areny-Plandolit collection.

Benavent, who taught at the Conservatori dels Pirineus from 2009 to 2016, selected this timeframe as La Seu d’Urgell represents fertile yet understudied ground for musical production beyond Brudieu and Marfany. He noted the archive, while not unknown, remains distant from academic centres and ripe for exploration.

Other articles include studies on melodies from Saint Ermengol's feast office; a 13th-century analysis of the Diplomatari de Santa Maria d’Organyà by Tània Alaix and Jesús Alturo; examinations of a 12th-century Oliana parchment and the figure of Arnau Pintor by Benigne Marquès; a profile of medieval bigamous doctor Deuloguard Bunió in La Seu by Carme Batlle; and contributions from Xavier Pons, Joaquim Garrigosa, Pere Pujol, Joan Josep López Burniol, Nemesi Marqués, and Montserrat Pagès.