This is one of the most beautiful conceptual episodes in the series, because it treats the Easter liturgy like several cameras turned toward one mystery. Resurrexi (mode 4) gives the interior face of Easter, Vesperi autem sabbati (mode 8) its public proclamation, and Victimæ Paschali Laudes (mode 1) its dramatic catechesis. We may expect Easter to begin in dazzling brightness, but this episode shows that Gregorian chant often chooses a subtler path. The introit remains soft, recitative-like, and contemplative, even on the Church’s greatest feast. What emerges is a richly layered theology of Resurrection in sound.

Content

• The Easter introit is Resurrexi (mode 4). The melody is soft, interior, and contemplative.
• Mode 4 gives the chant its distinctive inward light: Easter is not reduced to outward brilliance.
• Other chants provide proclamation and dramatic catechesis.
• Resurrexi sounds like an intimate dialogue of the risen Christ with the Father, in the peace and quiet of eternity.
• The episode shows several musical approaches to one mystery.
  
  

Source song

• The community of Gricigliano from the Saint Philip Neri Seminary, in the Church of the Saints Michael and Cajetan, in Florence, Italy, on 27 March 2016. Private recording.

Sponsors

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠National Lottery Heritage Fund⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠:
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Global Sound Movement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠University of Lancashire⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

External Links

Available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠all podcasts platforms⁠⁠⁠⁠
Watch on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠@Beyond_the_Spire⁠⁠⁠⁠
Listen to the album: Now on Spotify

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More about St Walburge’s Shrine

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠icksp.org.uk/preston⁠⁠⁠⁠
YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@ICKSPPrestonSt.Walburge⁠⁠⁠⁠
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