Chants of the Vatican Gradual, by Dom Johner - Church Music ...

Fourth Sunday of Advent 35
had built. Clouds are the symbol and the containers of life-giving rain,
as well as of the grace of redemption which comes down to us from the
heights of heaven, and of all the benefits and glories of the new kingdom
of the Messias. When these clouds open, new life will bud forth (germinet)
about Nazareth, a life of unusual beauty, rich in blossoms and fruits.
The second phrase of the melody is more quiet. We hear the motive
of terra repeated over (germi)-net. If we take the / on the first syllable of
the first word as an upbeat, measured groups of two notes result. Contrast
is effected by the three-note groups in the second part of this phrase.
Since it is well to make a pause for breathing after germinet, we have
up to that point three groups of three notes and afterwards two more
over Salvatorem—a symbol of energetic sprouting and blossoming. The
group ab c g over aperidtur corresponds to d e f c over Salvatorem.
We implore the descent of the Just One from heaven. But His justice
will not make His countenance the less benevolent, nor His eyes the
less loving. He comes not to reproach, not to drive sin-laden man away
in confusion; He comes as the Saviour, calling to Himself all who are
weary or burdened.
Already a child of this earth is bearing the Just One in her virginal
womb. From her will go forth the most beautiful flower (germinet) that
ever our earth has produced, the rose of sweetest odor. This earth will
not be opened, for it will be from an intact virginal womb that the
flower will proceed.
Upon his cry Rordte the prophet Isaias immediately received an answer
from God: "I, the Lord, have created Him," that is, the Redeemer
and Saviour. Our petition is answered in the psalm-verse: "The heavens
show forth the glory of God." Already at the Annunciation the heavenly
messenger spoke his Ave, gratia plena; soon heavenly messengers will descend
in mighty array to sing their Gloria to the Most High and to announce
peace to mankind.
The ancient manuscripts assign today's entire Mass, with the exception
of the Offertory and Alleluia, to Wednesday in the Ember Week
of Advent. Formerly the grave Introit Memento nostri was sung on the
present Sunday.
Revue, 20, 79 ff.; Analyses, II, 30 if.; R. gr., 3, 145 ff.; Musica s.,
44, 214 f.
GRADUAL (Ps. 144: 18, 21)
1. Prope est Dominus omnibus 1. The Lord is nigh unto all
invocantibus eum: 2. omnibus qui them that call upon him: 2. to all
inovcant eum in veritate. ~^1. l.Lau- that call upon him in truth. $". 1.