Add MS 50888

CHURCH HOUSE MANUSCRIPTS. Vol. I. Canticles (ff. 1b-5, 7b-8b, 27b-32b), hymns (ff. 5b, 6b-7, 9b-11) and anthems (ff. 12b-27, 33-38b), with metrical psalms, etc.; 16th-18th cent. Copies, mid 18th cent. For two, three or four voices in open score. Includes (f. 9b) a version of the Easter hymn 'Jesus Christ is risen today', differing in both words and music from the version first published in Lyra Davidica, 1708. At the back (ff. 58b-56b, reversed) is a psalmody preface or brief summary of musical rudiments, based on the Old English or Lancashire sol-fa and showing the Gamut, the position of mi in different keys, and the Proportion of Notes, etc. See

B. Rainbow, English Psalmody Prefaces, 1982. Followed (ff. 55b-39, reversed) by metrical psalms for two voices with words from 'T. Sternhold' and 'J. Hopkins' Old Version, 1551. Initials, dates and signature on f. 1, 'R. S. Bn: 18 July 1718', 'R. Simpson Octr. 1739'. Another name possibly written above the date 'Nov. 1738' is now illegible. Ownership stamp of Hymns Ancient and Modern.

Paper; ff. i+58. Mid 18th cent. 110 x 205mm. Original ink foliation in red 1-53, reversing the vol. Ff. 6 and 51, 45, 40 reversed, are inserted leaves. Dark red quarter morocco binding.