Original leaf from a large manuscript Spanish Gradual on animal parchment. (533 x 370mm – 21 x 14.5”)
The manuscript text and music (5 lines of music on a five-line stave) were beautifully executed by hand over 500 years ago in the 15th century!!! Spain, c. 1475-1500.
Two elaborate knot-work (cadel) initials heightened with yellow – one with a very intricate internal design in violet.
The knot-work “C” begins Psalm 117 (King James 118): “Confitemini domino…” (Give praise to the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever).
The elaborate knot-work “G” begins the Glory Be: “Gloria patri…” (Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning..).
Graduals contain the musical chants for the proper of the Mass: introits, graduals, tracts, alleluia, offertory and communion verses, and sequences for special feasts. They may also include chants for the ordinary of the Mass: Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, and for the introductory ‘asperges’ rite.
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
