Manuscript Cutting: Leaf from a Gradual introducing Advent Sunday with an Illuminated Initial ‘A’
Unknown Artist
Leaf from a Gradual introducing Advent Sunday with an Illuminated Initial ‘A’
Netherlands, mid-15th Century
Gold and ink on parchment
Victoria and Albert Museum (No. 8995)
This richly decorated initial ‘A’ introduces the section of the Mass dedicated to the first Sunday of Advent. Often referred to as Advent Sunday, this is the first day of the liturgical year, beginning the season which celebrates Christ’s birth. For many, this season would have represented new beginnings, encouraging renewed commitment to Christ. Pictured in the margins is a nun announcing a prayer roughly translated to ‘Have mercy on me, God, according to your great mercy.’ Her choice of prayer from Psalm 51, which relates to repentance from sin, demonstrates a continuing devotion to religion.
Audio Clip & Transcript
This audio clip demonstrates the opening chant or introit of Advent Sunday, which is shown in this manuscript cutting. The chant differed slightly from book to book, yet was created from a section in Psalm 25 attributed to King David.
Audio: transcription
‘Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.’
Ad Te Levavi (Introit from First Sunday of Advent) from Adventus Domini: Canto Gregoriano – Avvento sung by Cantori Gregoriani (Fulvio Rampi)
© Figlie di San Paolo