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Interior detail of antiphonal containing liturgical chants and prose text

Manuscripts

Antiphonarium

Author unknown

14th century


The antiphonal is a liturgical book containing antiphons, or liturgical chants, with prose text. It is sung in association with a psalm at the services of the Divine Office.

This antiphonal, titled Antiphonarium, was created in Paris around 1350 for the Royal Dominican convent dedicated to St Louis, King of France, at Poissy. The library at Poissy was substantial and contained illuminated manuscripts of the highest quality - its collection was dispersed at the time of the French Revolution.

This manuscript, once part of the library of the great English collector Sir Thomas Phillipps, was acquired by the State Library of Victoria in 1947.

Listen
This recital (length 03:40) of St Peter the Martyr, Responsory 3, Matins Nocturn 2 ('Dum sansonis…') is performed by Cantores Sumus.