The Medieval Chants for Ste Foy Considered through the Prism of Their Nocturnal Performance

The medieval cult of Ste Foy inspired several sets liturgical chants, or historiae, including at least two that were probably made for use Conques in the early eleventh century. Whilst it is widely understood historia chants belonged within liturgy Divine Office, this article explores significance lesser-known parameters their performance: during nocturnal hours, above all lengthy service known as Night and alongside various modes sensory augmentation employed on major feast days. By exploring these they might have applied to Abbey context Foy’s feast—using sources from Fleury Saint-Bénigne, Dijon, wherever local evidence lacking—the draws attention ways which historiae intersected with non-verbal creativity performative frame Office liturgy. Ultimately, argues a more consciously multidisciplinary approach historically ‘musical’ genre.