Gregorian Chant leaf, c.1600, Spain.
The Nunc Dimittis, the song of Simeon.
Recto: 7 lines of music notation in square and diamond shaped neumes and text in Latin written in a gothic bookhand on parchment. Five line staves with a key signature. Rubrics in red. Paginated 22 in a later hand. Two large decorative initials ‘N’ and ’S’ in red with internal foliate designs. Hair follicles of the animal used for the parchment are clearly visible in the top and bottom margins.
Verso: As Recto, with another large decorative initial ‘S’ in orange.
Origin: Spain.
Date: c.1600.
Content: The initial ‘N’ begins the antiphon:
Nunc dimittis servum tuum, Domine, secundum verbum tuum in pace:
Quia viderunt oculi mei salutare tuum.
(Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; Because my eyes have seen thy salvation.)
The initial ’S’ then begins an antiphon which continues on Verso:
Simeon iustus et timoratus exspectans redemptionem Israel, et Spiritus Sanctus erat in eo.
(Simeon was just and devout, waiting for the redemption of Israel. And the Holy Ghost was in him.)
Condition: The leaf is in very good/excellent condition. Recto is in near fine condition. There is the expected staining from page turning and some slight ink loss in the neumes on Verso. The leaf is unconditionally guaranteed genuine.
Notes: An antiphon (Greek ἀντίφωνον, ἀντί "opposite" and φωνή "voice") in Christian music and ritual is a a short sentence sung by a choir or congregation before or after a psalm or canticle. It is usually in the form of a Gregorian chant. The words of the antiphons are related to the theme of the feast day or celebration and most frequently have something in common with the liturgical readings of the Mass.
Antiphonal music is music that is performed by two semi-independent choirs in interaction, often singing alternate musical phrases.
The parent book of this leaf was an Antiphonal, a very large book that was placed on a lectern so that all members of the choir could see it, and sing from it.
Saint Gregory I, known as Gregory the Great, (born c. 540, Rome—died March 12, 604, Rome), Pope (590–604) was elected pope in 590.
His extensive re-codification of the liturgy and plainchant led to his name being given to Gregorian chant. According to legend, Gregorian chant was the most sacred and authentic form of liturgical chant as it was believed to have been sung to Gregory by the Holy Spirit who appeared to him in the form of a white dove. The dove is usually depicted hovering close to his ear while singing its sacred melodies as Gregory simultaneously writes them down.
The Nunc dimittis, also known as the Song of Simeon or the Canticle of Simeon, is a canticle taken from the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke, verses 29 through 32. Its Latin name comes from its "incipit", the opening words, of the Vulgate translation of the passage, meaning "Now you dismiss".
The brief hymn of praise was sung by the aged Simeon, who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. Simeon was at the Temple in Jerusalem when Mary and Joseph came to present the infant Jesus for the rite of purification according to Jewish law and custom. Simeon recognised the baby as the promised Saviour, took him in his arms, and raised his hymn of praise. Because of its implications of fulfilment, peace, and rest, the early church viewed it as appropriate for the ending of the day. It has been used since the 4th century in such evening worship services as Compline, Vespers, and Evensong.
Many composers, from Schutz to Rachmaninoff have set the words to music.
Size: Leaf: approx. 580x410 mm.
Item No: MMU067
