Chants of the Vatican Graduale - MusicaSacra

376 The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
COMMUNION (Matt. 1: 20)
1. Joseph, fill David, noli timere 1. Joseph, son of David, fear not
accipere Mariam conjugem tuam: to take unto thee Mary thy wife: 2.
2. quod enim in ea natum est, de for that which is born in her is of
Spiritu Sancto est. the Holy Ghost.
Both phrases have similar divisions. The first phrase begins on g-c,
tarries on d and g, and concludes on the tonic. The second phrase begins
on g-d, makes a half-pause on d and with a florid melisma closes on the
tonic. The significant words Maria and Spiritu are well emphasized in
both phrases. The melodic distinction given to est at the end of the two
half-phrases is conspicuous and provocative of thought. The original is
embodied in the Communion EruMscant of the Monday of Holy Week.
The first phrase develops freely in its first half. After that there is an
apparent correspondence between various members of today's Communion
and the Communion Erubescant: accipere Ma-(riam) and gratuldntur
ma-(lis), (con)-jugem tuam and (ma)-lis meis, in ea natum and
(indu)-dntur pudore, est and (-ti) -a. Spiritu is again treated more freely,
while Sancto est corresponds to (ad)-versum est.
Indeed, the Communion text holds glad tidings for St. Joseph, following
as they do the painful anxieties and doubts and fear he experienced.
Now he will not need to separate himself from her whom he regarded
as the purest of Virgins and whom he loved with the chastest
love. The close relation with the supernatural and miraculous paralyzed
his soul, St. Bernard says. (Oberhammer, II, 247). He has been initiated
by the Angel into the mystery of the Incarnation, into the miraculous
operation of the Holy Ghost in the womb of his Spouse—the Holy Ghost
ever co-operates at the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. May He also
prepare our hearts that they become worthy to receive the Son of the
purest of Virgins!
* * * *
THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE BLESSED
VIRGIN MARY
(March 25)
This is one of the most ancient feasts of the Church and can be
traced back to the fifth century. Its chants are contained in the oldest
manuscripts, while the Mass as such is post-Gregorian.