Chants of the Vatican Graduale - MusicaSacra

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost 295
ficence, the obligation of thanking Him must weigh heavily upon our
souls and ever inspire us with new love. What immense riches we possess
in Christ! Of this today's Epistle reminds us when it shows that the
New Dispensation is far superior to and more glorious than the old,
and that God's grace has called us and qualified us for this New Law.
But especially in the house of God ought our singing and praising so to
resound, that it "may arouse joy in the hearts of the faithful." St. Benedict
in his Rule (Chapter 47) stipulates that only he should be allowed to
sing or read in choir who can fulfill this task to the edification of those
present. He should do it with humility, dignity, holy fear, and in obedience.
In the same manner we ought to perform our sacred service for
the honor of God and the joy and edification of the faithful.
ALLELUIA VERSE (Ps. 87: 2)
1. Domine Deus salutis meae: 2. 1.0 Lord the God of my salvation:
in die clamavi et node coram te. 2. / have cried in the day, and in
the night before thee.
Alleluia has the form a b c c 1 . The frequent pressus are introduced
in various ways. Over (Al)-le-(luia) a group of four notes precedes the
pressus; the same is true of the close of the jubilus: efed ee—g a g a gg.
In the b-member, groups of three notes precede: c b a cc—g a b aa; in
c and c 1 , groups of two notes: g a cc—b g aa. The effectiveness of the
melodic line will be increased if the pressus be not accented too strongly;
in fact, the preceding notes should be stressed a little more. The address
to God composes the first phrase of the verse. Here there is melodic
tenseness, ascending until it closes on the old dominant of the third
mode. "Thou art the God of my salvation." This grateful avowal is the
best recommendation for the petition which follows. The pressus helps
to make the plea more impressive. The extreme limits of this descending
curve give the melodic line c b a g f e, which is, however, enlivened by
thirds. Domine Deus must be sung solemnly. The annotated manuscripts
here have broad markings almost exclusively.
In connection with the Gospel which follows, this song sounds like
a cry for the redemption of a world sick unto death.
On the feast of the Precious Blood and of St. Benedict Joseph
Labre (April 16) the same melody is sung.
We here have poignant sorrow transfigured by the Paschal Alleluia.
Our thoughts revert to Mother Church, sorrowfully awaiting the day of
her resurrection. Perhaps your own soul will have to sing a similar
Alleluia chant. (K.L.)