Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, fonds latin 887: towards an identification of provenance

ABSTRACT The eleventh-century Aquitanian troper-proser Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, fonds latin 887 (Pa 887) is a manuscript whose provenance has long been a matter of debate. Five features of its distinctive repertory are considered: (1) a unique relationship with the early tenth-century troper Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, latin 1240 (Pa 1240); (2) the inclusion of elements that have links with northern France, not all of which can be accounted for through shared material with Pa 1240; (3) material that has clearly been derived from the repertory at the Abbey of St Martial, Limoges; (4) on the other hand, concordances within Aquitaine, of tropes and proses not performed at St Martial; and (5) material unique to Pa 887. Consideration of the Translation of Saint Valeria in the year 985 to the priory of Chambon, a dependency of the Abbey of St Martial, suggests Pa 887 was produced for that monastic community.