Hieronim z Koprzywnicy [Hieronim of Koprzywnica], 16th/17th century, composer, presumed kapellmeister, Cistercian monk. The only known work by Hieronim z Koprzywnicy, Veni Sancte Spiritus for 2TB, is preserved in organ tablature notation in Volume 1 of the Pelplin Tablature (ca. 1630). The work combines various stylistic conventions: Renaissance prima pratica finds expression in the imitative technique carried out in skilfully crafted stretti; the concertato technique –characteristic of seconda pratica – in the striking juxtaposition of the individual voices. Recourse to the canzonetta tradition is evident in the scoring (two equal upper voices and bass) as well as in the treatment of the upper voices (especially in the second part of the work), which move in parallel imperfect consonances, while the bass there is reduced to an accompanying role. The coexistence of these features points to a period of breaking with Renaissance conventions in favour of a new style; the piece must therefore have been contemporary with the creation of the Pelplin Tabulature. The compositional skill displayed indicates that Hieronim of Koprzywnica’s output was not limited to this one piece.
Editions: The Pelplin Tablature. Part I, «Antiquitates Musicae in Polonia» II, facsimile edition, ed. H. Feicht, Graz 1964; transcription into modern notation: “Florilegium Musicae Antiquae”, ed. A. Sutkowski, 1963, iss. 4.
