Scholars > Musical liturgy
Carmina sacra varu idiomatis variique argumeti.
Manuscript in Dutch, Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, on paper.
Amsterdam, 1685.
MS X893 J5
Rare Book and Manuscript Library
The period of the Renaissance featured a return to classical languages, most notably Greek and Roman, but also to Hebrew. The Hebrew book of Psalms was a popular choice for the Christian Hebraists, due to its Christological implications. Depicted here is a Dutch copy of Psalms in Hebrew alongside related Christian prayers in Greek. As indicated by its musical notations, the manuscript would have been used for liturgical services. It is likely that the author translated the Hebrew himself, as Hebrew words have been moved out of their original order in the Psalm and sometimes changed so that they would fit more succinctly with the notes above.
Gift of Congregation Temple Emanu-El, 1892.