choirbook
Singers' shared score
A choirbook is a large-format book of musical scores designed to be read by an entire choir simultaneously.
Placed on a stand, its oversized pages allowed multiple singers to see the music from a distance—a practical necessity before individual printed parts became affordable.
The format was common in churches and cathedrals from the medieval period through the Renaissance.
Ancient bound manuscript
- folioSingle-fold page format
- vellumPrepared calfskin for writing
- parchmentTreated hide for manuscripts
- illuminatedMade visible by light
manuscript · scriptorium · scribe · calligraphy · miniature · palimpsest · incunabula · gloss
Daily prayer compilation
- missalCatholic service text collection
- lectionaryScheduled scripture for services
- psalterDevotional song compilation
- gradualDeveloping slowly over time
introit · credo · proper · ordinary · mass · vespers · matins · compline
Religious song collection
- psalmsReligious songs of praise
- canticlesReligious chants from scripture
- carolsFestive religious songs
- anthemsOfficial ceremonial songs
spirituals · chants · gospel · doxology · hallelujah · devotional · worship · sacred
Assembling pages into volumes
- leatherTanned animal skin
- spineColumn of vertebrae
- bindingLegally or morally required
- hardcoverRigid-bound book format
stitching · sewing · gilding · embossing · marbling · restoration · conservation · bookbinder
codex
Ancient bound manuscript
- folioSingle-fold page format
- vellumPrepared calfskin for writing
- parchmentTreated hide for manuscripts
illuminated · manuscript · scriptorium · scribe · calligraphy · miniature · palimpsest · incunabula · gloss · medieval
breviary
Daily prayer compilation
- missalCatholic service text collection
- lectionaryScheduled scripture for services
- psalterDevotional song compilation
gradual · introit · credo · proper · ordinary · mass · vespers · matins · compline · evensong
hymnal
Religious song collection
- psalmsReligious songs of praise
- canticlesReligious chants from scripture
- carolsFestive religious songs
anthems · spirituals · chants · gospel · doxology · hallelujah · devotional · worship · sacred · processional
bookbinding
Assembling pages into volumes
hardcover · stitching · sewing · gilding · embossing · marbling · restoration · conservation · bookbinder · clasp
polyphony
Simultaneous independent melodic lines
- motetSacred polyphonic choral work
- madrigalUnaccompanied Renaissance choral composition
- cantataVocal work with instruments
anthem · counterpoint · soprano · alto · tenor · bass · chorister · conductor · rehearsal · voicing