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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