Chants of the Vatican Graduale - MusicaSacra

150 . . - . • • Paim Sunday
PALM SUNDAY
A. THE BLESSING OF THE PALMS AND THE
PROCESSION
The chants and prayers are arranged as at holy Mass. In place of
the Introit we have the following antiphon
ANTIPHON (Matt. 21: 9)
1. Hosanna filio David: bene- 1. Hosanna to the Son of David:
dictus qui venit in nomine Domini. blessed is he that cometh in the name
2. Rex Israel: Hosanna in excelsis. of the Lord. 2. O King of Israel:
Hosanna in the highest.
Here the very first word again supplies the leading thought of the
celebration, the fundamental idea. The blessing of the palms and the
procession anticipate the resurrection. The large interval of a fifth at
the beginning and toward the close of the antiphon tend to rouse and
enhance the festal joy. Philologically the word Hosanna means "save
now, save," and implores a blessing upon the Son of David entering
Jerusalem. But perhaps at that time already, as at present, it was an
expression of jubilation. Therefore, Hosanna in excelsis does not mean
that God is to send down His help from on high. Rather it is an exhortation
to the inhabitants of the celestial regions to join in the rejoicing
of the exultant multitude on earth. In the Son of David all of God's
prophecies have been fulfilled. In Him we meet the divine, we meet God
Himself.
This cry has been perpetuated throughout the centuries, and no
Mass is now celebrated in which the King of glory is not greeted in this
manner. With what affection did our most famous composers treat the
Benedictus with its Hosanna.
This melody bears some resemblance to an archaic Greek composition
dating from the second century before Christ.
Moehler, Geschichte der alien und mittelalterlischen Musik, I, 18
(Sammlung Goeschen) and Musica s. 44, 193 ff.
THE RESPONSORIES
Between the Lesson, describing the oasis with its seventy palms,
and the Gospel, which narrates the triumphal entry of Jesus, two re-