The origins of liturgical music traditionally date back to St. Gregory the Great (d. 604), who was inspired by the Holy Dove to record the principles of 'Gregorian' chant. The Gradual contained the musical parts of the Missal and was sung from the steps (gradus) of the altar. The Antiphoner contained the musical sections of the Breviary. These terms have become interchangeable in modern times. Because of their size and complexity, these manuscripts were still being handmade in the traditional way for centuries after the introduction of printing. They were boldly hand-written and illuminated on large sheets of sturdy vellum so that the entire choir could read from one book.

A very early vellum sheet with seven staves of four-line music on each side. The sheet is elaborately decorated by red and blue initials executed with fine, decorative pen work, including an initial on the recto with a 'bubble-head' face drawn by the calligrapher in one margin.

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Condition: B

The gall ink has oxidized and cracked, with a few small areas of minimal loss that are not obvious unless the sheet is held up to a strong light.