Original leaf from a manuscript 18th century Gregorian chant in two colors on fine hand made paper. Latin text with black square-note music on a red four-line stave. (480 x 330mm - 19 x 13’’).
From an Antiphonal produced at a religious commune in Olbia, Italy, c. 1778 (dated and signed elsewhere in the manuscript by the scribe ''J. Coudounel''). One large illuminated initial (3 1/4'' square) in red on a yellow ground with red stars in each corner and surrounded by an elaborate black border; one illuminated initial (2'' square) in red on yellow ground surrounded by black flowers and stars and a red border.
This leaf continues the Mass celebrating Apostles and Evangelists. The elaborate illuminated ''C'' begins a hymn attributed to St. Ambrose called Paschale mundo gaudium (Lauds for Apostles and Evangelists in Eastertide): ''Claro...'' (In this our bright and Paschal day the sun shines out with purer ray, when Christ, to earthly sight made plain, the glad Apostles see again. The wounds, the riven wounds he shows in that his flesh with light that glows, in loud accord both far & nigh the Lord's arising testify. O Christ, the King who lovest to bless, do thou our hearts & souls possess; to thee our praise that we may pay, to whom our laud is due for aye...).
The illuminated ''F'' begins: ''Filiae...'' (O daughters of Jerusalem, come ye...).
Antiphonals contain chants for the canonical hours of the Divine Office: first vespers or the vigil of great feasts, matins, lauds, prime, terce, sext, none, vespers and compline. They were used by priests, monks and nuns in churches and religious enclaves. The large size allowed them to be seen by multiple members of a choral section.
Shipped unmatted.
