Chants of the Vatican Graduale - MusicaSacra

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost 327
melody are related to una in the former; in perpe-(tuum) reminds us of
super mil-(lia) in the same piece. Dominus finds a corresponding motive
over (per)-petuum at the end of the melody. At the end of the first
phrase, however, the clivis is converted to a pes, because the subsequent
phrase begins on low d. The distribution of the neums over Dominus
here and in the third phrase, as well as over perpetuum, results from the
fact that plainsong is not fond of dactylic endings, but prefers spondees.
{N. Sch. 233 f).
The second phrase with its interval of a fourth and its harsh a b
is not intended to portray distress, but rather to emphasize, clearly and
definitely, that when the need is greatest God's assistance is nearest.
Clamdverint ad me and exdudiam eos have almost the same melody: to
the measure of our faith and confidence God's generosity will correspond.
There is a slight but noteworthy difference, however. Over (ex)-du-
(diam) we might have sung g ga g as over (cla)-md-(verint); the equal
accentuation on the two words would have suggested this. Since, however,
a different construction was preferred, and the melody descends
to e, the only one of this phrase, and has a quilisma after /, it is evidently
intended to emphasize the words: "I will hear them."
In its first half the third phrase harks back to the quiet style of the
first. But there follows immediately a portrayal of God's eternal fidelity,
of His indefatigable desire to help. Hence the fourth and the accent on
high c. We may consider the closing neums over (Domi)-nus as a variation
of those over (e)-go sum, ad me and eos.
Since God declares Himself ready to assist us everywhere and at
all times, we should also willingly accept the admonition: "Attend, 0
My people, to My law!" His law assures us of temporal and eternal
happiness. And if He, the Lord, is so prepared to help us, then we ought
to be proud to acknowledge His sovereignty always and in all things.
GRADUAL (Ps. 140:2)
1. Dirigatur oratio mea sicut in- 1. Let my prayer be directed as
censum in conspectu tuo, Domine. incense in thy sight, O Lord, jl 1.
jl 1. Elevatio manuum mearum 2. The lifting up of my hands 2. as an
sacrificium vespertinum. evening sacrifice.
David is far from the sanctuary, sunk in poverty and distress. He
yearns to offer a sacrifice to the Lord. But there is nothing at hand.
Hence he lifts up his hands, his prayer, his whole soul, to God.
We may look upon today's Eucharistic celebration as the solemn
evening sacrifice at the close of the liturgical year. Just as formerly the
Christians prayed with outstretched arms and extended hands, and as