Chants of the Vatican Graduale - MusicaSacra

256 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
At St. Gall's, at Einsiedeln, and in some other places this Sunday's
Communion was sung on the twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost,
today's being replaced by Ego clamdvi. This Communion, however, fits
well to the Gospel of the Sunday, and at the same time acts as an admonition
to those faithful to whom the liturgy of the Mass has not yet
brought reconciliation with God and true interior peace.
If the text is clearly enunciated, it will be seen how well the simple
melody brings the word gdudium into prominence.
There is joy in heaven, and peace in the heart of him who has again
found his way back to God. The Father of the prodigal son crowns His
kindness by preparing the most sumptuous banquet for him in Holy
•Communion.
FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
INTROIT (Ps. 26: 1, 2)
1. Dominus illuminatio mea et 1. The Lord is my light and my
salus mea, quern timebo? 2. Do- salvation: whom shall I fearl 2. The
minus defensor vitae meae, a quo Lord is the protector of my life: of
trepidabot 3. qui tribulant me in- whom shall I be afraid? 3. My
imici mei, ipsi infirmati sunt, et enemies that trouble me have themceciderunt.
Ps. Si consistant ad- selves been weakened and have
versum me castra: * non timebit cor fallen. Ps. If armies in camp should
meum. stand together against me, * my
heart shall not fear.
Few selections in the entire Graduale have a melody so easily understood,
so lucid in structure, and of such regular development as this
Introit. From the introduction to the Preface we are familiar with the
opening motive, which recurs throughout the entire piece. It begins the
second phrase a fourth higher, and comes to a climax in the third, being
heard also over a quo. Thus all three phrases are closely knit together.
No lengthy pause must be made between them; they must follow one
another in a lively, almost impetuous sequence, as an expression of most
complete confidence in victory. Perhaps the early Christians sang this
song in the dim, wan atmosphere of the catacombs. But the hearts of
those who sang were full of light: for Christ had enlightened them. And
even if their brothers and sisters above were led to martyrdom and
thrown before the beasts, inwardly they possessed the courage and
strength of lions: the victorious Lion of the tribe of Juda had imparted
His fearlessness to them. Self-possessed and unafraid they entered the