Kath. Priester - Komplett handgeschriebenes Choralbuch (Antiphonale/Graduale) mit Quadratnotation - 1680-1710

Complete hand-written choral book (Antiphonary/Gradual) with square notation – Bohemia/Moravia, ca. 17th/18th century – 300 pages, leather binding

To the call comes an extraordinary, completely handwritten and printed liturgical choral book (Antiphonar / Graduale) from the late Baroque or early Enlightenment period (ca. 17th to early 18th century).

An absolutely unique artifact for collectors of sacred manuscripts.
The manuscript impresses with its deep black, extremely precise calligraphy (Humanistic Cursive/Chancery Script) and the masterfully executed Gregorian square notation on red and black staves.
Liturgical & musical content: The work traverses the most emotional and significant sections of the liturgical year. It includes, among other things:
The complete, monumental Dies irae sequence (Day of Wrath) as well as rites for Catholic burial (including rare red rubrics/instructions for the priest at the open grave, such as the casting of earth). The ceremonial chants of Holy Week and Easter, including the famous Easter sequence Victimae paschali laudes, the Kyrie Paschale, and the Regina caeli.
The poignant Laments of the Savior (Improperia) for Good Friday and the chants for the foot-washing (Mandatum) on Maundy Thursday ("Ubi caritas").
Historical & linguistic particularities:
A major highlight for historians is a multi-page contemporary handwritten addition in Old Czech/West Slavic language (including references to Mary Magdalene at the tomb with the exclamations "mi Alleluja"). This proves beyond doubt that the manuscript was actively used in the Bohemian-Moravian region (or in a local brotherhood/congregation).
Condition & details:
Format: Handy pocket or travel size, approx. 16 x 10 cm.
Pages: Approximately 300 handwritten pages on period-typical sturdy rag paper.
Binding: Original, richly blind-embossed leather/wooden board binding (with decorative blind embossings), age-patinated, clasps missing (metal elements partly preserved).
Interior condition: Overall well-preserved and clean for its age. The paper is firm, the text and notes are superbly legible. Occasional aging spots or thumb marks testify to the authentic, centuries-long liturgical use.