Gradual, proper of time, from the first Sunday of Advent to Passion Sunday

Abstract

Holograph, written on both sides of leaf. Mediaeval manuscript choirbook on vellum (ca. 53 x 36 cm.); executed ca. 1580 in Salamanca, Spain; massive binding of thick wooden boards covered with tanned leather, ruled in blind and fitted with 5 (of 8) pierced brass metal bosses to covers; leather/metal clasp (imperfect) and catch; binding slightly damaged but very large and impressive; much used with many pages thumbed and worn (12 defective but not affecting text) and repaired); some evidence of damage due to damp. "... seven very large initials the height of two or three staves in red and blue, with red and blue pen-flourishing and marginal extensions; numerous large initials the height of one stave in red and blue pen-flourished in the other colour, or calligraphic initials in black ink partially filled with green and yellow with oblique catchwords at right sides of lower margins on last versos; ten [i.e. 12] leaves with portions of blank margins cut away, approx. 12 leaves torn and sometimes with old repairs but with out loss of text, approx. 10 leaves creased in margins ..."--Bookseller's description. Text contains chants for the proper of the Mass: introits, graduals, tracts, alleluia, offertory and the communion verses, and sequences for special feats. The manuscript extends from the first Sunday of Advent to Passion Sunday (bookseller's description). Title supplied by cataloguer (from bookseller's description).