Gradual

This manuscript facilitated a more complete practice of Catholicism for the new rising community in Cuba. The Bishop of Cuba, Senor Don Diego Evelino Y Hurtado,  commissioned this text to complete his collection of holy books in the island. The book was written originally in Talavera, Spain in the year of 1687. With this missing piece the Bishop had all the necessary texts to celebrate Catholic Mass throughout the entire year with his community.

Music was a central component in the establishment of community and evangelization within the Church in the New World. The choir itself would be positioned in the center of the building. Texts like this one, known as a Gradual,were sung by the choir as one in a series of liturgical texts necessary for the celebration of Catholic Mass. Its size allowed for all members of the choir to gather around it and sing. Through the incorporation of the choir, the Church also served as center for education beyond Catholic doctrine. The music in the Gradual was likely directed by the “maestro de capilla”, a music director in charge of organizing adult singers and teaching choirboys music & reading.