Joseph Eybler: Domine Deus, Gradual, HV 42

This gradual was composed by the Austrian Hofkapellmeister Josef Eybler in 1826 for the birthday gala of both Emperor Franz I. and Emperess Karoline Auguste (both were born on February 8). Since 1823, Eybler had composed a new mass for this occasion every year, mostly together with a new gradual and a new offertory. However, due to some "indisposition" (as the chronicles of the Hofburgkapelle state), the gala was cancelled in 1826. Instead, the premiere of the Missa St. Mauritii (HV 4) together with this gradual "Domine Deus, omnium creator" (HV 42) and the offertory "Magna et mirabilia" (HV 108) took place on Thursday, February 2, 1826 - the feast of Candlemas - in the Hofburgkapelle (the chapel of the imperial palace) in Vienna.

Following a rather long instrumental introduction, the gradual frequently switches between piano and forte parts. The (relatively short) forte phrases appearing with majestic and powerful lyrics like "justus", "omnipotens" or "aeternus" are marked by a dotted rhythm in the strings, resulting in imperial power. The piano phrases on the other hand with lyrics "et misericors" (and merciful), "sanctifica", etc. are accompanied with runs of legato quavers, increasing the expressive humbleness of the lyrics even further.

Despite a powerful beginning, the piece ends in a soft and suppliant style, with the strings vanishing into the final chord.