Chants of the Vatican Graduale - MusicaSacra

298 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
ion has a quieter melody, a more limited range, and smaller intervals,
for even fourths are excluded. All is more unassuming here; but at the
same time' more intimate and cordial. The entire first phrase confines
itself to seconds, and the chant is almost purely syllabic. The second
phrase has / for its recitative, with emphasis of the accented syllables.
It is the word-accent, in fact, which usually determines the melodic development:
/ g a f over educas, f g b\> a b\> a over vinum, a c aa g a over
laetificet. The third phrase retains the joyous spirit of the second and,
in spite of its brevity, has individual charm in the consonant passages
Sabfrgagfggf over (ex)-hilaret and f d e f ded c d dc over in oleo.
With et panis we should like to see a new phrase begin on account of
the text and the melodic arrangement. Here we have the rare case of a
phrase ending wit a half tone (e f). Although the e before the final note
accords with our ideas of harmony, still the ancients considered a close
with a half tone an imperfection.
The Eucharistic allusion of these verses becomes most evident when
they are used in a Communion song. For how many has the Eucharist
stilled the longings of the heart, satisfied the craving for heavenly food!
For how many has it been the source of joy and inspiration. The fruit
of Thy works 0 Lord, the Eucharistic Sacrifice, has satisfied the longings
of our soul. There we see Christ as the Good Samaritan. Wine and
oil He pours into our wounds, and a love that knows no limits. When
we read at the end "that bread may strengthen man's heart," then let
us pray: O my Saviour, now I must again go forth into life with its
struggles, its trials, its many temptations. Take Thou my troubled
heart into Thy hand and impart to it strength, constancy, and fidelity.
THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
INTROIT (Ps. 73: 20,-19, 23)
1. Respice, Domine, in testamen- 1. Have regard unto thy covenant
turn tuum, et animas pauperum and forsake not to the end the souls
tuorum ne derelinquas in finem: 2. of thy poor: 2. arise, 0 Lord, and
exsurge Domine, et judica causam judge thy cause, and forget not the
tuam: 3. et ne oblivscaris voces voices of them that seek thee. Ps.
quaerentium te. Ps. Ut quid Deus Why, O God, hast thou cast us off
reppulisti in finem:* iratus est furor unto the end: * why is thy wrath
tuus super oves pascuae tuael kindled against the sheep of thy
irel