Gregorian Chant - c 1550 Spain

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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.

One illuminated initial in red with delicate blue penwork; two elaborate cadel (knot-work) initials.

This leaf continues the Common of a Virgin.  The knot-work ''V'' begins:   ''Ecce Veni electa...'' (Come my chosen one and I will place you on my throne, for the king has desired your beauty.). The illuminated ''V'' repeats the prior verse.   

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.

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.

Shipped unmatted

  • Inventory# IM-11198
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