Original Manuscript Gregorian Chant from an ANTIPHONAL, ITALY, c. 1778
MUSIC on a 4 LINE STAVE!!!
Text Includes: MUSICAL CHANT for The COMMON OF A CONFESSOR


                                     
IM-10574: An original leaf from an 18th Century Illuminated Manuscript Gregorian Chant in in two colors on fine hand made paper. Latin text with black square-note music on a red four-line stave. From an Antiphonal produced at a religious commune in Olbia, Italy c.1778. This leaf measures 480 x 330 mm (19 x 13”).

There are two elaborate initials on this leaf, one on each side: One large illuminated initial "I" (3 1/4’’ square) in green, outlined in red and surrounded by an elaborate black border with an interior of flower blossoms and a deerOne illuminated initial  "S" (3 1/4 ''square) in green with red outline, and surrounded by an elaborate black border with an interior of flower blossoms and stars.  Two deer face each other beneath the initial S.

This chant leaf is an unusual production – entirely done by hand, not in a printing press.  The staves are hand ruled and penciled guidelines can still be seen on the text block. Lettering and designs are a combination of meticulously cut stenciled elements and freehand. 

This leaf continues the Common of a Confessor. The elaborate illuminated ''I'' begins the hymn: ''Iste...'' (The Witness of the Lord, this holy man whose feast the people celebrate throughout the world, has this day deserved to rise in blessedness to the highest hall of heaven. He who was godly, prudent, humble, modest, sober and quiet of life, yet was prompt to exert himself in bodily action. At his sacred tomb the limbs of many sick, by whatever disease they are afflicted, are quickly restored to health...). 

The elaborate illuminated ''S'' begins ''Sacerdos..." (O priest and bishop, thou worker of all virtues, good shepherd of thy people, pray for us to the Lord).

From an Antiphonal produced at a religious commune in Olbia, Italy, c. 1778 (dated and signed on another leaf the manuscript by the scribe “J. Coudounel”).  This is an original, not a reproduction, and it is in excellent condition as shown in the photos.

This leaf will arrive to you with a Certificate of Authenticity.

 Antiphonals contain chants for the canonical hours of the Divine Office: first vespers or the vigil of great feasts, matins, lauds, prime, terce, sext, none, vespers and compline. They were used by priests, monks and nuns in churches and religious enclaves. The large size allowed them to be seen by multiple members of a choral section.

We have been full-time dealers in Illuminated Manuscripts, Maps, Prints and Antiquities since 1980.