Introit: Dum clamarem, begin on D (as mi)
Offertory: Blessed by Your sacrifice, #28, begin on D
Communion: Passer invenit, begin on D (as do)
Recessional: Now thank we all our God, #27, begin on B♭
The Introit antiphon is long enough that we do not need to separate the psalm verse and the GP. It has three phrases:
- Cum clamarem ad Dominum, exaudivit vocem meam ab his qui appropinquant mihi
- et humiliavit eos qui est ante saecula manet in aeternum
- jacta cogitatum tuum in Domino, et ipse te enutriet.
Each of the three phrases closes with the same melodic formula, and the first and second phrase also have the preceding neums in common over (appropin)-quant mihi and aeternum. In general, a close relation exists between these two phrases, even exteriorly, since both are made up of three members, while the third phrase has only two; and their interior relation is still more intimate. The first phrase speaks of the fruits of prayer; the second of the manner in which prayer is heard.
Hence, these two preliminary statements may serve as two premises, from which the third follows as a conclusion; therefore "cast thy care upon the Lord!" The first phrase with its upward striving expresses both an earnest petition and the tension of soul which accompanies it. Then comes a thankful, brilliant exaudivit: I have been heard. The second phrase several times extends beyond the highest note of the first. In the small phrase qui est ante saecula we twice hear the fourth g-c, and once the fourth a-d. We get some inkling of the eternity of God, which is without beginning, from the large intervals. Some purely syllabic passages occur in the third phrase. Its melodic line is the symbol and expression of a certain effort, a conquering of the difficulties which present themselves to wavering, doubting, short-sighted human beings who ought to live entirely by faith and throw all their care upon the Lord. If this is done —how quiet and sure is the tone of the seconds over et ipse te—then He will nourish and sustain us with paternal affection and will royally reward all our hopes and expectations. Even today we shall see the fulfillment of these words in the sacrificial Banquet. This Introit is also sung on the Thursday after Ash Wednesday.
This famous Communion antiphon we also sing on the third Sunday of Lent. It has three phrases:
- Passer invenit sibi domum, et turtur nidum, ubi reponat pullos suos:
- altaria tua Domine virtutum, Rex meus, et Deus meus:
- beati qui habitant in domo tua, in saeculum saeculi laudabant te.