|
"Gloria in Excelsis Deo" ("Glory to God in the Highest") For Thou alone art the Holy One |
|
|
Detail. See additional images below. |
Antiphonals were books containing the sung portions of the Divine
Office. The manuscript offered here is large, typical of the
medieval book, so it could be shared by a choir. Large leaf from a 16th century Spanish antiphonal on vellum. 5 bars of music on each side in square notation. Lyrics written in black ink with red rubrics. A large white-winged angel in mauve & blue floats on the left border of leaf appearing to almost dance with the music. The left side of the leaf is further decorated with a swirling green leafy border. Leaf contains large initial in red & yellow with floral interior. 6 additional initials in red. Some browning to leaf (clearly visible in images). The music is from "Gloria in Excelsis Deo," a hymn popularly sung during the Mass.
Size: 562 x
440 mm (approx 22.1 x 17.3 inches).
|
|
"Gloria in excelsis Deo" or "Gloria" is an ancient Christian hymn dating from the second century opening with the words the angels sang to the shepherds announcing Christ's birth (Luke 2:14). The hymn has been a part of the Mass since the 5th century and has been popularized by many celebrated composers including Vivaldi. The text in Latin: Gloria in
excelsis Deo et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis…
To listen to
Vivaldi's "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" on Youtube, click here. |
|
|
Click image to enlarge
|
|
