Chants of the Vatican Graduale - MusicaSacra

Corpus Christi 237
melisma that is repeated, thus handicapping the effectiveness of the
melody; for its upward surge, about which there can be no doubt in this
type of Alleluia, is thereby weakened. The third part, whose melody is
formed somewhat differently, does not give the feeling of a finished
organic whole in which all parts are attuned to one another.
SEQUENCE
The Sequence owes its origin to St. Thomas Aquinas. In superb
language it enunciates the dogma of the Holy Eucharist. Its accompanying
melody was composed by Adam of St. Victor ( 4* c. 1192). In its
original form it was a hymn to the cross, for which the Alleluia Dulce
lignum (May 3) supplies the initial motive (egagcbag). In the double
strophe Dogma datur and quod non capis this motive returns a fourth
higher (egagcbag= dcdcfedc). All the strophes close on the tonic and
most of them with the formula ag fg g. Occasionally this is preceded by
a b or c b. Less often we have c ag fg g or ga fg g. The individual verses
close on the dominant or on c. Toward the end the closings on the dominant
increase; the final double strophe has it thrice.
At Beuron this chant is sung in six minutes. This observation is
not made with any intention of prescribing a set tempo, but merely to
show that even this Sequence takes a comparatively short time to sing.
la. Praise, 0 Sion, praise thy Saviour, * Shepherd, Prince, with
glad behavior, * Praise in hymn and canticle: lb. Sing His glory without
measure, * For the merit of your Treasure * Never shall your praises fill.
2a. Wondrous theme of mortal singing, * Living Bread and Bread
life-bringing, * Sing we on this joyful day: 2b. At the Lord's own table
given * To the twelve as Bread from Heaven, * Doubting not we firmly
say.
3a 1 . Sing His praise with voice sonorous; * Every heart shall hear
the chorus * Swell in melody sublime: 3a 2 . For this day the Shepherd
gave us * Flesh and Blood to feed and save us, * Lasting to the end of
time.
3b 1 . At the new King's sacred table, * The new Law's new Pasch
is able * To succeed the ancient Rite: 3b 2 . Old to new its place hath
given, * Truth has far the shadows driven, * Darkness flees before the
Light.
4a. And as He hath done and planned it, * "Do this," hear His
love command it, * "For a memory of me." 4b. Learned, Lord, in Thy
own science
offer Thee.