RAMMSES

AR for medieval music in Siena and Sienese

Abstract

RAMMSES (Augmented Reality for Medieval Music in Siena and Sienese) is a project funded in 2020-22 by Regione Toscana. Manuscripts and musical fragments of the Sienese area, dating from the 11^th to 13th centuries, have been digitized, transcribed (both texts and melodies) and accompanied by a series of metadata, regarding genre, book, and liturgical occasions. On the website (www.rammses.unisi.it), each manuscript is accompanied by a paleographic description, the images uploaded using IIIF technology, an explanation of its origins – enriched by analysis of the feasts and songs contained within, as well as a comparison with similar manuscripts and repertoires – and a notice on peculiarities in the formulary. The records of the chants specific or, otherwise, representative of the Sienese area were performed by the Siena Cathedral Choir, led by Maestro Donati. The content of the AR experience, created from these chants, also allows you to view the pages of the codex containing the piece in question, along with information designed for a non-specialist audience. You can reach this experience through the website, or via QR-codes in the places where these pieces were performed centuries ago, or, finally, through a specially created virtual exhibition. All the data contained in the database can be accessed via a search interface that allows for more complex or narrow searches.