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 is actually composed of two pieces of vellum that were intricately sewn together. The sheet contains five-line music in red and black ink with one large initial in black and yellow. The song includes a common chant found in Easter hymns originating from the Resurrection accounts in the Gospels, and translates as: "The Angel of the Lord spoke to the women, saying: Whom do you seek? Are you seeking Jesus? He is risen already: come and see, alleluia, alleluia."

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Condition: B

Light soiling with 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.