https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1170 2026-06-19T12:02:59Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/15987 Title: M.A. in Baroque Studies 2014 Abstract: A list of the dissertations in Master of Arts in Baroque Studies submitted in 2014 to the International Institute of Baroque Studies Description: M.A.BAR.STUD. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1694 Title: 18th century furniture at the parish church of Tarxien Abstract: The Parish Church of Tarxien is one of the oldest found on the Maltese islands. It is adorned by several works of art which are important not only for the parishioners, but also for the local artistic scenario. Raised to a Parish Church in 1592, several works of art were commissioned throughout the years, especially during the eighteenth century. Several paintings by the Maltese painter Francesco Żahra, liturgical silverware and pieces of opulent furniture were some of the most important commissions. The dissertation focuses on the liturgical furniture which was commissioned through the century which is among the finest among furniture of Baroque manner. The Choir stalls, the Baptismal Font and the Pulpit were discussed and compared with other eighteenth century furniture found in several churches around the island. One of the main aims was to raise awareness on these masterpieces found scattered in local churches and to research and discover who the artisans of such furniture were. Unfortunately, some research yield no positive results for the fact that some documents were not preserved and got lost through the course of time. Some of the discussed pieces were attributed to other artefacts backed by documentary sources, which could open up a window for more research and work on this particular subject. Another important aim was to analyse different and particular decorative elements which embellish eighteenth century furniture, the influence derived from domestic furniture and other characteristics found on foreign ecclesiastical and secular furniture. This resulted in an array of vast decorative elements, which make every piece of furniture analysed, particular for its own design and embellishments. These decorative elements show the difference between High Baroque and Late Baroque influence which characterizes ecclesiastical furniture. One of the most important findings was the fine design of orange inlaid wood, embellishing the entire timber hood of the Tarxien Baptismal font, which is covered under layers of stains. This makes the Baroque font more important for the legacy of eighteenth century ecclesiastical furniture. Documentary sources found at the archives of the Parish Church of Tarxien unveil details about the three pieces of furniture discussed in the dissertation. Several documents show some instalments paid to the master carpenter, while others show some disguise between the Clergy and the carpenter for not finishing the commission on time. These kinds of documents should make the dissertation more interesting. The same documents substantiate the culmination of artisans around the Grand harbour which was an open gate for foreign artistic influence. This was further discussed through examples of ecclesiastical furniture found around Europe, especially in the nearby island of Sicily. This was the first coherent attempt to study in detail these works within the context of eighteenth century Maltese ecclesiastical carpentry. There is a lot more to study and research within this particular legacy as this dissertation was just the start. However, this first attempt should be a good start for others who would study this legacy of ecclesiastical masterpieces. Description: M.A.BAR.STUD. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1693 Title: The Castrato : a Baroque phenomenon Authors: Borġ Cardona, Bettina Abstract: Castrati were virtually inexistent in the Europe of the early 1500’s, but by the eighteenth century, the most successful of these singers had become powerful members of Baroque society, dominating the European music scene. By the nineteenth century, castrati had all but vanished. This dissertation will seek to determine what made the castrato a phenomenon particular to the Baroque. The point of departure for this investigation will be the negative Enlightenment perspective of castrati as both ambiguous and artificial. In opposition to this view, this study will examine the positive perception of these two characteristics within Baroque culture. The first chapter will offer a brief overview of the activities of castrati, demonstrating the extent to which these singers had become integral to Baroque cultural practices. The second chapter will relate the appearance of the ambiguous castrato to the emergence of a politics of absolutism. Locating the castrato within Baroque mechanisms of power, it will argue that the ambiguity of this figure served political strategies that were mobilised in reaction to forces of destabilisation. The third chapter will join this political discussion with an examination of the aesthetic means by which such strategies were advanced. It will be argued that the castrato embodied the highly artificial aesthetic that was employed in musical performances under the patronage of those in power. The fourth chapter will link the discussions of the previous three chapters in an exploration of the themes of ambiguity and artifice in Baroque Malta. The employment of increasing numbers of castrati throughout the Baroque in Malta will be related to the growing tendency by local governing bodies to project an absolutist image. The discussion will conclude with an appraisal of the last Baroque castrato and his failure to successfully bridge the gap between Baroque and post-Baroque worlds. Description: M.A.BAR.STUD. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1692 Title: Manifestations of the Council of Trent in Malta Abstract: This dissertation highlights the various manifestations of the Council of Trent (1545 – 1563) on Malta as a direct result of the Tridentine decrees implemented on the island in the mid 16th century. The term 'manifestation' is being extended to account for both the outwardly visible, such as church architecture, furnishings and objects d'art as well as the role and behaviour of the clergy, the veneration of saints, the settlement and work of various religious orders, votive masses and formation of confraternities and solidarities by parishioners. Through careful study of printed material and on-site visits, this study examines and brings to light the Maltese manifestations of the Tridentine decrees and of the intermediaries stipulated by the Catholic Church in the Council of Trent. It will eventually be shown that the Maltese people were very willing to adhere to Tridentine decrees. The strengthening of the Catholic Church, the parish churches and its pastors, gave the people a sense of security which they craved. Religious Dogmas amply fed their need for security, ensuring their soul's wellbeing and passage to the divine realm. Description: M.A.BAR.STUD. 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z