Julian of Speyer

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Julian of Speyer (Latin: Julianus Teutonicus; died c. 1250), also known as Julian of Spires, was a German Franciscan composer, poet and historian of the thirteenth century. Born in Speyer, Julian studied at the University of Paris and was the musical director for the royal chapel during the reigns of Philip Augustus and Louis VIII of France. Eventually, he left to become a member of the newly founded Order of St Francis, but exactly when is not known. In 1227, Julian accompanied Brother Simon Angelicus to Germany, when he was made Provincial of Germany by the General Chapter of Assisi. It is probable that he was present at the translation of St. Francis at Assisi in May 1230. Afterwards, he lived in Paris again at the great convent of the Minorites, where he was choir-master as well as corrector mensae (who oversees the reading in the refectory). Although in the Middle Ages, Julian of Speyer was held in high respect as a composer and writer of rhymed offices, he was almost forgotten until the end of the nineteenth century. It is certain that he composed the rhymed Office (historia) of St. Francis of Assisi (written between 23 February 1229 and 4 October 1235), as well as that of St. Anthony of Padua, who was canonized on 30 May 1232 (composed just after 1241). Both these musical, as well as poetical, masterpieces are still used by the Franciscans. These works are distinguished for the harmony, rhythm, and rhyme of the verses, and for their sublime expressiveness as musica

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