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.

This sheet of vellum includes part of the Canon of the Mass with nine staves of four-line music in red, black and blue ink. The text translates in part as:

For ever and ever. Amen. May the Lord be with you. And with your spirit. Lift up your hearts.We have lifted them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It it truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God

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Condition: B+

Light soiling and toning.