Oratorios performed at the Holy sepulchre in the Bohemian Lands and Austria in the 18th century (part II) : on the issue of transferring sepolcri and the possibilities of their semi-staged or staged performance

Abstract

This part of study deals with the oratorios performed at the holy sepulchre (sepolcri) and focuses particularly on the transfer of certain compositions or librettos and on their potential stage performances. In the 18th century, among the most interesting, original phenomenons of this genre belonged the performances of particular sepolcri in various places and years, as well as the problematic of “traveling” librettos, which were arranged by various composers. Right now, the most unanswered questions concern the staged or semi-staged performance practise of these works. In any case, both the holy sepulchre and painted prospect, which was often placed in front of an altar, have noteworthy theatrical features. It seems that the staged and semi-staged performances were popular in some monastic communities; however, information about this kind of performing practise is oftentimes ambiguous.