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Pelplin Gradual

Pelplin Gradual

Pelplin (Poland) — Second half of the 14th century

Gold-embellished images to accompany late medieval chants for the Christian mass: an artful Cistercian choir book as a wonderful testimony to the Hufnagel notation

  1. A gradual is a choir book containing the variable chants for the masses throughout the church year

  2. This gradual also contains the fixed liturgical chants such as Kyrie, Gloria, and Agnus Dei, as well as the chants for the Terce

  3. It is illuminated with 10 gold-decorated, historiated initials and dozens of ornamental initials, as well as three marginal illustrations

Pelplin Gradual

MS L13 Biblioteka Diecezjalna (Pelplin, Poland)
Graduale de Tempore et de Sanctis
Graduale de Tempore et de Sanctis Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
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  1. Description
  2. Facsimile Editions (1)
Description
Pelplin Gradual

The Pelplin Gradual is one of the most beautiful surviving choir books from late medieval Eastern Europe and a wonderful example of the use of the Hufnagel notation — the final stage in the development of neume notation, which was commonly used in the Middle Ages but which already indicates different tone pitches. The liturgical chants written in this notation system are illuminated with beautiful historiated but also elaborate ornamental initials, some of which are richly embellished with gold. In addition, there are three marginal illuminations, which also display Christian iconography. The images repeatedly reflect their place of origin and original context of use. For example, Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153), one of the most venerated members of the Cistercian Order, and a praying Cistercian monk are depicted. Accordingly, the artistic manuscript was produced in the Pelplin Cistercian monastery for its own use.

Codicology

Alternative Titles
Pelpliner Graduale
Graduale de Tempore et de Sanctis
Pelpliński graduał
Size / Format
382 pages / 51.3 × 38.0 cm
Origin
Poland
Date
Second half of the 14th century
Style
Gothic
Language
Latin
Script
Gothic textura
Illustrations
10 historiated initials; 3 marginal illuminations, numerous ornamental decorated initials of various sizes and designs
Content
Liturgical chants for Mass at the Cistercian monastery in Pelplin
Previous Owners
Biblioteka Seminarium Duchownego
Available facsimile editions:
Graduale de Tempore et de Sanctis
#1 Graduale de Tempore et de Sanctis
Bernardinum Wydawnictwo – Pelplin, 2024
Limited Edition: 100 copies
Facsimile Editions

#1 Graduale de Tempore et de Sanctis

Bernardinum Wydawnictwo – Pelplin, 2024
Graduale de Tempore et de Sanctis
Graduale de Tempore et de Sanctis Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles

Publisher: Bernardinum Wydawnictwo – Pelplin, 2024
Limited Edition: 100 copies
Binding: Light brown full leather binding with gilded cornerpieces, a central metal boss, and two leather clasps
Commentary: 1 volume by Anastazy Nadolny, Juliusz Raczkowski and Łukasz Kątny
Languages: English, Polish
1 volume: Exact reproduction of the original document (extent, color and size) Reproduction of the entire original document as detailed as possible (scope, format, colors). The binding may not correspond to the original or current document binding.
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