Aaron Scotus

Aaron Scotus (late 10th century – 18 November 1052) was a Scottish abbot and music theorist. A Benedictine, Scotus was the abbot of St. Martin, Cologne, Germany in the year 1042. He pilgrimaged in his youth to Colonia to the Scottish convent of St. Martin. He became abbot of the same in 1042. Later, he became abbot of St. Pantaleon. It is believed that he first introduced the Gregorian evening service ("nocturns") into Germany. He authored two historically important treaties: "De utilitate cantus vocalis et de modo cantandi atque psallendi" and "De regulis tonorum et symphoniarum". Aaron died on December 14, 1052.

The library of St. Martin, Cologne conserves his work "Tractatum de utilitate cantus vocalis et de modo cantandi atque psallendi".

He wrote three musical treatises, all of which have been lost.

References

*Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie - [http://mdz2.bib-bvb.de/~adb/ online version]
*Slonimsky, Nicolas - "Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians", 7th ed. 1984. Schirmer Books, New York, N.Y. ISBN:0-02-870270-0.
* Huglo, Michel. "Aaron Scotus". " [http://www.grovemusic.com Grove Music Online] " (subscription required). ed. L. Macy. Retrieved on September 4 2007.