Laudate Dominum omnes gentes (“O praise the Lord all ye nations”) is the tract sung during the Mass of Holy Saturday and is based on Psalm 116:1-2.
Dom Guéranger said the melody of this Psalm “has something of mournfulness about it”. (1) He explains further: “Something is still wanting to the joy of Easter. Jesus has risen from the tomb; but, so far, He has not shown himself to all. His Blessed Mother, [Mary] Magdalene and the other holy women are the only ones who have as yet seen Him: it is not till the evening, that He will appear to His Apostles. We have but just begun the day. Therefore, it is that the Church once more offers her praise to her God, under the Lenten formula of the Tract.”(2)
Laudate Dominum, omnes gentes is here interpreted by the Abbaye de Solesmes.
Listen to Laudate Dominum Omnes Gentes
Lyrics:
Latin text
Laudate Dominum omnes gentes:
Et collaudate eum omnes populi. V. Quoniam confirmata est super nos
Misercordia ejus:
Et veritas Domini manet in aeternum.
English translation:
O praise the Lord all ye nations:
And praise Him, all ye people. V. For upon us is confirmed
His mercy:
And the truth of the Lord remaineth forever.
Dom Guéranger, The Liturgical Year, Loreto Publications, 2000, vol. 6, p. 629.
