Antiphon for the Feast of The Annunciation.
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. Rubric “Mass of the Archangel St. Gabriel” in red. One large initial ‘M’ in red and white with internal acanthus and 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 ‘A’ in greens, red and white.
Origin: Spain.
Date: c.1600.
Content: The initial ‘M’ begins an antiphon for the Feast of the Annunciation (March 25): The text on Recto reads:
Missus est Gabriel angelus ad Mariam virginem desponsatam Joseph, nuntians ei verbum; et expavescit Virgo de lumine: ne timeas, Maria, invenisti gratiam apud Domi[num]:
And continues on Verso:
Ecce concipies et paries filium, et vocabitur Altissimi Filius.
(The Angel Gabriel was sent to Mary, a Virgin espoused to Joseph, proclaiming to Her the Word, and seeing the light She was afraid. Fear not, Mary; thou hast found grace before the Lord. Behold, Thou shalt conceive and bear a Son, and He shall be called the Son of the Most High.)
Condition: The leaf is in very good condition. There is the expected staining from page turning and some slight abrasion near the initial ‘M’ but otherwise, Recto is in near fine condition. Verso has some ink loss to the neumes and bottom two lines of text, but is nevertheless in very good condition. The decorated initial ‘A’ is in fine condition. 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.
Size: Leaf: approx. 580x410 mm. Please note that shipping is invoiced separately. This very large leaf will be shipped, carefully wrapped, in a tube.
Item No: MMU066
