Chants of the Vatican Graduale - MusicaSacra

Christmas Day—Third Mass 51
phrase, does not always demand new forms of expression, and that the
repetition of a favorite motive is one of its chief characteristics. The
tristropha brings a relaxation, allowing the following nobis to be sung
with more color. For us has He been born, this wondrously gracious
Child. We bask in His peace, in His benevolence. Rightly, therefore,
does this nobis receive special emphasis in both parts of the phrase, once
with its close on the dominant, the other time on the tonic of the mode.
Yet, notwithstanding rhythmic relation in the two instances, the dynamics
are different. In the first nobis the second clivis exercises a decided
predominance over the first, while in the second nobis the first two
notes receive the greater prominence. The same holds true of natus
compared to the first nobis. Thus there results a beautiful melodic interplay,
reminiscent, one might almost say, of a cradle song for the Christ
Child.
The first phrase sings of the Infant, the second stresses His dominion
and divine dignity. Here the Christianized Roman sees realized his
old dream of the imperium, of the universal kingdom (B.K., p. 292).
The melody attains its peak at imperium. One best averts the danger of
rushing to the highest note at the expense of the others by following the
indication of MS. 121 of Einsiedeln, which gives the third note a slightly
broader marking. Thus the melodic line can ascend with full solemnity.
Care must likewise be taken that the single notes on the first three syllables
of this phrase be not sung too short, for they should have the ring
of definite and positive avowal. In all this, however, one idea must stand
out pre-eminently: this Child exercises His kingly rule peacefully, with
unmeasured mildness and love. For this reason it is that the sweet motive
which gives such warmth to the first nobis again occurs here. Then
the melody sinks, slowly and deliberately, like the folds of a king's mantle.
Indeed, it almost seems as if a shadow settled upon it. For the royal
dignity also reminds us of the burden which already at Christmas rests
upon the shoulders of this Child: the burden which will grow and develop
until it becomes a heavy cross.
In contrast to this minor third and the semitones we hear a bright
major third over et vocdbitur. It is as though it would like to banish the
serious thoughts which insist on entering. It is an effort to introduce the
question to which the tristropha and figure over the second ejus, like
the one over the first ejus, give a still more intense form: "What can be
the name of this Child?" With a succession of large intervals, a major
third, a fifth, and a fourth, we hear the joyful answer: "He is the Angel
of great counsel, the One who comes to announce to us the great decision
of God, and also to make it effective, as far as in Him lies—our redemption
and eternal salvation."