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 is from an antiphonary written in four-line music in black and red ink with three large initials. The song includes part of The Book of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus, Chapter 23, and translates in part as:

Lord, Father and God of my life: may you not abandon me to their plans.
Do not leave me with the haughtiness of my eyes. And avert all desire from me.
Take the desire of the body from me, and do not allow sexual desire to take hold of me, and do not permit an irreverent and senseless mind within me.

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Condition: B+

Light soiling with an old manuscript notation at top, an archivally repaired tear at top, and small remnants of framing tape on verso.