The origins of liturgical music traditionally date back to St. Gregory the Great (d. 604), who was inspired by the Holy Dove to record the principles of 'Gregorian' chant. The Gradual contained the musical parts of the Missal and was sung from the steps (gradus) of the altar. The Antiphoner contained the musical sections of the Breviary. These terms have become interchangeable in modern times. Because of their size and complexity, these manuscripts were still being handmade in the traditional way for centuries after the introduction of printing. They were boldly hand-written and illuminated on large sheets of sturdy vellum so that the entire choir could read from one book.

This impressive elephant folio sheet of vellum contains five-line music in red and black ink with one large initial in intricate red and blue pen work. The song includes the beginning of Mark 16, in which Jesus has risen, and translates as:

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.

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Condition: B

Light soiling with light toning on verso. The grayish hue along the top and bottom edges of the sheet is caused by our scanner (due to the waviness of the vellum) and is not present on the physical sheet.