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Views from the Choir Loft

Scripture, Sacred Music, and the Actions of Our Lives

Richard J. Clark · December 26, 2014

ERE IS A FREE DOWNLOAD for the communion antiphon for the Feast of the Epiphany. The Roman Missal contains two communion antiphons, which are meant to be recited rather than sung. One of the antiphons (Matthew 2:2) happily coincides with the antiphon found in the Graduale Romanum. As such, this setting uses the antiphon found in both. I have used the 2010 translation of the Roman Missal. The verses use the 2010 Grail translation.

      * *  Free Download:
PDF • Vidimus stellam | Communion Antiphon | Epiphany of the Lord | for Schola, SATB, Organ
I had some requests for an audio sample. Here’s a demo I threw together quickly. I used the piano instead of the organ as I’ve been traveling:
      * *  YouTube:  Rehearsal DEMO

NE DISTINCT DIFFERENCE between the sung propers of the Graduale Romanum and the spoken propers of the Roman Missal, are the singing of psalm verses, which allow for further meditation, as well as repetition of the antiphon. The Roman Missal antiphons do not assign any verses, as there is no use for them in a single quick recitation.

On the Feast of the Epiphany, for example, the Communion Antiphon from the Graduale Romanum (or in the example above, the Gradule Triplex) is taken from the Gospel of the day (Mt. 2:1-12). Furthermore, the Graduale Romanum assigns Psalm 72 (71) which corresponds closely to the Responsorial Psalm of the day in the Ordinary Form. (Note the specificity of the prescribed verses. Also note the Graduale uses the Greek numbering system for the Psalms. Here’s a useful reference: Why are the Psalms numbered differently?)

These kinds of scriptural correlations are very typical of the Communion antiphons. While the Roman Missal communion antiphons also harken back to the Gospel, the addition of the psalmody and repetition of the antiphon lends it to accompanying the liturgical action.

These are very compelling reasons to sing the propers, as we sing the scriptures in union with the liturgy. In doing so, we allow the scriptures to form and shape us, while in this case, receiving the Eucharist. This is a profound relationship which may lead to even more profound prayer. In doing so, may we live our lives as Christ calls us to live.

ITTLE BY LITTLE, THIS CORRELATION is becoming more apparent to many. Sacred music, wedded to the actions of the sacred liturgy, helps us live the scriptures through the action of our lives. The principles of Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi, and Lex Vivendi remind us that as we pray what we believe, we must therefore respond to God’s call by the way that we live.

Finally, consider that the antiphons of the Church are fifteen hundred years old and the psalms about three thousand years old. Consider that the psalms are quoted in the New Testament an astounding number of times. (Let’s not minimize the role of the psalms in the mass to the Responsorial.) They have much wisdom to teach us. If one sings the psalms and antiphons weekly, this will transform one’s soul. I know I’m in desperate need of such transformation!

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Propers, Singing the Mass, Sung Vs Spoken Propers Novus Ordo Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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About Richard J. Clark

Richard J. Clark is the Director of Music of the Archdiocese of Boston and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.—(Read full biography).

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Quick Thoughts

    26 January 2023 • FEEDBACK
    “Jeff, I wanted to personally thank you for your spiritual witness at the Symposium & often blogs that you write too. Praying that prayer in the mornings My God, my Father and my all (by Cardinal Merry Del Val), mentioning saints’ stories of Brébeuf, Jogues, John Vianney, monks who fought in WWII, their hard work in spite of terrible conditions, their relentless zeal for the faith, their genuine love for the laypeople they served, etc. Overall though—more than anything concrete I can point to that you did or said—it was your demeanor at the Symposium. I could tell you really absolutely love and believe the Catholic Faith. You don’t get that everywhere, even in Church circles. And your humility is what then makes that shine even brighter. It is super inspiring! God is working through you probably way more than you know.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Symposium Draft Schedule Released!
    Those who head over to the Symposium Website will notice the tentative schedule for 2023 has been released. This is all very exciting! Very soon, we will begin accepting applications, so please make sure you have subscribed to our mailing list. If you are subscribed, that means you'll hear announcements before anyone else. (It’s incredibly easy to subscribe to our mailing list; just scroll to the bottom of any blog article and enter your email address.)
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    Good Friday Polyphony by L. Senfl
    The editor of the Sacred Music Magazine recently made available to the public this splendid article by our own Charles Weaver. It includes an edition of polyphony for the GOOD FRIDAY “Reproaches.” Renaissance composers often set the various offices of Holy Week; e.g. readers will probably be familiar with the beautiful TENEBRAE setting by Father Tomás Luis de Victoria (d. 1611). From what I can tell, Ludwig Senfl (d. 1543) was originally a Catholic priest, but eventually was seduced by Luther and ended up abandoning the sacred priesthood.
    —Jeff Ostrowski

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