Graduale de tempore, commissioned by Prince-Abbot Franz Gaisberg
(1504–1529, coat of arms p. 1) and illuminated by the book
illustrator Nikolaus Bertschi from Augsburg (initials, miniatures
and borders with vine scrolls and animals). The banderole on p. 55,
which ends with etc. 156, may give a (false) indication regarding
the dating (1506 or 1516?). The chants for the Mass are written in
German plainsong notation (“Hufnagelnotation”) on a five line
staff. This codex is the largest of the St. Gall Abbey library’s
manuscripts. Originally it was even larger; for re-binding, the
pages were severely trimmed, as can be discerned from the folded
lower margin on p. 1 or from the trimmed border on p. 444. Binding
with heavy fittings on a red velvet background.
Rights
e-codices - Virtual Manuscript Library of Switzerland
