The Music of Holy Week

Part IV: Easter Vigil

The music selected for the Great Easter Vigil should reflect the pre-eminence of this service in the liturgical year. The service begins in silent darkness with the kindling of the New Fire and the ceremonies of the Paschal Candle. The acclamation "Light of Christ" and the Exsultet should be sung by a deacon or priest with a pleasant voice, although a cantor may sing the latter. The Exsultet should never be recited.

In the Liturgy of the Word, seven Old Testament readings are offered, in addition to the epistle and Gospel. However many readings may be chosen, a response is needed after each, be it silence, psalm or song. Variety is important in these responses-use several choirs, or several groups within a choir, or cantor(s) to lead congregational singing; or have a soloist, choir or chant ensemble provide a psalm setting as a meditation on the reading.

During the Gloria bells are rung and the organ is played for the first time since Holy Thursday. It may be effective to use some sort of organ fanfare or introduction before the Gloria. The Alleluia is the most significant acclamation of the Easter liturgy. It should be embellished considerably in the vigil Mass - use trumpets, bells, descants, and the like to make it special [See Renaissance Alleluia, CNP Catalog #3079]. If your parish does not use a Gospel procession regularly, special effort should be made for the Easter Vigil to carry the Gospel Book to the front with candles, incense, banners and joyful singing. This is the fundamental "Good News," that Jesus is risen!

During the Liturgy of Initiation, the Litany of the Saints is called for, and is effectively and most properly sung rather than recited, preferably to the very familiar chant formula. Several acclamations occur during this rite, and owing to their unfamiliarity, might better be replaced by refrains of familiar hymns (such as "Festival Canticle," "All the Earth," "Blessed Be God") or simply a resounding "Alleluia". A strong hymn can be sung during the sprinkling with holy water ("Sing Praise to Our Creator") or another excellent choice would be Alex Hill's setting, I Saw Water Flowing CNP Catalog #3025.

Responses for the Liturgy of the Eucharist should be festive and familiar. The Easter Vigil is not the time to introduce new music (and please don't ever spoil the calm, pre-service darkness with a rehearsal!!).

On Easter Sunday the Paschal Candle can have a place in the entrance procession. Perhaps a portion of the Exsultet could be sung or the Alleluia intoned before the processional hymn is sung.

The sequence for Easter Sunday is best sung. The Latin Victimae paschali laudes could be sung by the choir, thus preserving one of the most engaging and effective examples of Medieval chant. A masterly arrangement of this melody (using English text and incorporating a practical congregational refrain) is found in Praises to the Paschal Victim: Sequence for Easter Sunday, CNP Catalog #3033. The Alleluia, as in the Vigil Mass, should be enhanced and emphasized.