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 lovely vellum leaf with beautiful manuscript, five-line music from a medieval antiphonal or choir missal. The sheet has two decorative capitals in delicately filigreed blue, red, purple, yellow and green ink. The song includes part of Psalm 99 and translates in part as:

With Your arm You delivered Your people, the sons of Israel and Joseph.
Sing joyfully to God, all the earth: serve ye the Lord with gladness. Come in before his presence with exceeding great joy.

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Condition: B+

Light soiling with creasing in the corners of the leaf, a small worm track at bottom left, and toning on verso.