Manuscript Fun (Pt. 4 - Free score!)

As regular readers will know, I occasionally photoshop ancient manuscripts to make them legible for modern-day chanting. (New readers: be sure to check out Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3!)

Today’s manuscript (Western MS 097 at Columbia University NYCm f. 246v & 247r) is dated to c. 1300-1315 and sets the ancient introit for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. While this chant is given as option 2 in the Gregorian Missal this manuscript demonstrates that the chant is indeed quite ancient, even if the 62’ books do not call for it (preferring Signum magnum apparuit instead).

The original is split across two pages, and you’ll have to pardon me for not taking the extensive time that would have been required to subtly blend in the overlay boxes… this seemed sufficient for now. Nevertheless, it is still very satisfying to sing from an ancient score (that you can actually read). It comes to life in a new way that a modern transcriptions, or even a modern square note editions cannot quite foster. For my part, I have printed it 11x17 (in color) and intend to use it next week!

You are welcome to print/share/perform the PDF freely.

As is my custom, I’ve prepared a demo track for those who would benefit: