Chants of the Vatican Graduale - MusicaSacra

Structure and Expressiveness of the Variable Mass-Chants 9
The form of mediant of the eighth mode is similar to that of the
second. We have an instance of it in the Tract Sicut cervus of Holy Saturday
over aqudrum, vivum, node. This form is also characterized by the
descent of a fourth, pressus, and close on /, hence a whole step below the
finale of the mode. A caesura is also inserted here, and that mostly after
the mediant, as in the above Tract over ad te Deus. Thus melodic ornamentation
is found where the text is set off by a punctuation mark, or
where the singer finds it necessary to breathe. This melismatic punctuation
is not proper to the Latin language. On account of its melodic
structure, we must consider the Tract above all as the first fruits of
Christian Mass chants. 7
As a general rule, texts of a serious and pleading character prefer
the second mode, which has a minor third over its tonic and as such gives
us the effect of a modern minor key. On the other hand, texts of a joyful
nature prefer the eighth mode which has a major third over its tonic,
and as such gives us the effect of a modern major key. The sentiments
expressed in the Tract of Laetare Sunday and in all the Tracts of Holy
Saturday are well adapted to the eighth mode.
ARE THE VARIABLE MASS CHANTS EXPRESSIVE
OF EMOTION?
The answer to this question is more than a matter of mere simple
formula. Above all must be kept in mind the fact that in their essence
the choral chants are liturgical chants. "Liturgy, however, directs all
things to God and is governed by reverence for God. The goal of plain
chant, therefore, must primarily be the glorification of God and not the
reaction it has on man's ideas and sentiments. Hence it depicts reverential
worship of the majesty of God, wonderment over His beauty,
amazement over His divine deeds for us, trustful hope in Him whose
impenetrable Wisdom guides all things—and then again a fervent, even
joyful, gratitude for His love.
"Plain chant, therefore, knows no exuberance of sentiment, no predominance
of mood in the face of quiet and serene reasoning. For this it
is altogether too intimately connected with its text.
"It is prayer devoid of external manifestation and false pathos; it
is direct as the words of a child to its father, plain and simple as the evening
prayer of an innocent soul." 8
Liturgical prayer and chant differ greatly from private devotion.
Liturgy, according to its very name, presupposes a fellowship of spirit.
Wagner, III, 352 ff.; Gregoriusblatt, 50, 3 ff.; 42, 3 ff.
Johner, Der greg. Choral, 76 ff.