The most recent issue of the Journal of Musicology features an article by Sam Barrett summarizing the project to restore lost Boethian songs. Drawing together the materials gathered together on this website, the article introduces the historical context for the songs, explains reconstruction processes, presents evidence for instrumental participation and describes collaborative work undertaken with Sequentia. The introduction explores motivations for reconstructing lost songs, tracing attempts to restore lost song traditions back to the beginnings of modern musicology. The concluding section reflects on how far philological methods can be supplemented by creative practice, and investigates the types of claims that can be made for reconstructions of possible performances.
The article will be of interest to anyone seeking an introduction to the materials and methods of the project, as well as those interested in the interplay of evidence and imagination in historical reconstruction.