Gregorian Chant - c 1550 Spain - Psalms

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Original leaf from a manuscript Spanish Antiphonal on animal parchment.  (555 x 385mm – 21 7/8 x 15 1/8'') The manuscript text and music (six lines of music on a five-line stave) were beautifully executed by hand over 450 years ago!!!

Spain, c. 1550.  This Choirbook once belonged to the Convent of San Pedro Regalado de la Aguilera, and was likely scribed there.

Two illuminated initials in blue with intricate red penwork; one illuminated initial in red with delicate blue penwork.

This leaf continues the Common of a Confessor.  Line one continues:  ''Constituisti...'' (You gave him power over the works of your hand).  The illuminated ''I'' begins part of Psalm 88 (King James 89): 21-23:  ''In veni David...'' (I have found my servant David; I have anointed him with my holy oil. For my hand shall help him. The enemy shall have no advantage over him: nor the son of iniquity have power to hurt him).

The illuminated ''P'' begins part of Psalm 88 (KJ 89) :20 - 22:  ''Posui...'' (I have laid help upon one that is mighty, and have exalted one chosen out of my people. For my hand shall help him. I have found David my servant: with my holy oil I have anointed him).

As is usual with Medieval and Renaissance parchment, the hair side of the leaf is darker than the flesh side, but may take ink somewhat better.  The differences in tone caused scribes to arrange their quires so that the hair side of one sheet faced the hair side of the next, and the flesh side faced the flesh side.

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. 

Shipped unmatted

  • Inventory# IM-11190
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