An Easter Octave Playlist

Good feasting should be accompanied with good music. Continuing the celebration of the Easter Octave, here are a few recommendations:

This day gradual-ly came on Easter Sunday: William Byrd (c. 1540–1623), Haec Dies

For the love of some Domers’ diction: Richard Dirksen (1921–2003), Christ Our Passover

Something terrifyingly beautiful lurks here (thanks, B.D. McClay, for the link!): Charles-Marie Widor (1844–1937), Surrexit a Mortuis

Alleluia,  a forbidden word returns : Orlando di Lasso (1532–1594), Regina Cœli

Organ, please: Louis Vierne (1870–1937), Messe Solennelle: Gloria

We need more organ (Video inappropriate for the liturgical ascetic): Victimae Paschali Laudes

An early Christian hymn becomes Romantic: Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901), Te Deum

For Eastern Orthodox tastes: Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844–1908), Russian Easter Festival Overture

For fans of Beirut and trumpet fanfare: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750), Easter Oratorio BWV 249 Sinfonia

For Tridentine Catholics, glad that the Council of Trent didn’t get rid of polyphony as Hans Pfitzner’s opera rumors: Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (c. 1525–1594), Exsultate Deo

And lastly, confirming my blatant partiality for my alma mater’s Liturgical Choir: Charles Wood (1866–1926), “Hail Gladdening Light” 

Suggestions are always welcome, and happy Octave.

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