antiphonarium

An antiphonarium is a liturgical book containing antiphons, short liturgical verses sung before and after psalms or canticles in Christian worship. It is principally associated with the Divine Office (the Liturgy of the Hours) and, in some cases, with the Mass. The antiphonaria supply the proper antiphons for each day, season, and feast, organized to accompany the psalms and canticles of the service. An antiphon serves as a refrain that sets the thematic mood for the accompanying psalm or canticle.

Contents and structure typically include the set of antiphons corresponding to the psalms and canticles of each service, often arranged by hour (Matins, Lauds, Vespers, etc.) or by liturgical day. Rubrics indicate when an antiphon applies, and the book may include musical notation—ranging from medieval neumes to later staff notation—along with guidance for chanting or recitation. In many usages, the antiphonarium is used together with a psalter, gradual, or other chant books to provide a complete cycle of liturgical singing for a given locale or rite.

Historical development and usage show that antiphonaria were common in medieval Europe, especially within monastic and cathedral contexts. They complemented other chant books and were later printed as part of official editions for the Roman Rite or local usages. While the specific liturgical practice varied by tradition, the role of the antiphonarium as a specialized repository of refrains for psalmody remained central.

In contemporary contexts, antiphonaria survive mainly as historical sources and in some traditional or ceremonial settings. Modern chant editions and breviaries often integrate antiphons within broader chant collections, reflecting the enduring importance of antiphons in shaping the character of liturgical singing.