Composer

:

Gregorian Chant

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Average_duration

:

1:04

"Ego sum resurrectio et vita" is a funeral antiphon that is part of the Gregorian Chant repertoire. It is a chant that is sung during the funeral liturgy of the Catholic Church. The chant is based on the words of Jesus Christ in the Gospel of John, where he says, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live" (John 11:25). The chant is believed to have been composed in the 9th century, during the Carolingian period. It is one of the most well-known chants in the Gregorian repertoire and is often used during the Easter season and at funerals. The chant is divided into two movements. The first movement begins with the words "Ego sum resurrectio et vita" and is sung by a soloist. The choir responds with the words "Qui credit in me, etiam si mortuus fuerit, vivet" (He who believes in me, even if he dies, shall live). The soloist then repeats the first phrase, and the choir responds again. This call-and-response pattern continues throughout the first movement. The second movement begins with the words "Et omnis qui vivit et credit in me, non morietur in aeternum" (And everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die). This movement is sung by the choir in unison. The chant ends with a repetition of the first phrase, "Ego sum resurrectio et vita." The characteristics of the chant are typical of the Gregorian repertoire. It is sung in Latin and is monophonic, meaning that it is sung in unison without any harmony. The melody is simple and chant-like, with a narrow range of notes. The chant is also characterized by its use of neumes, which are symbols that indicate the shape and direction of the melody. Overall, "Ego sum resurrectio et vita" is a beautiful and powerful chant that expresses the hope and faith of the Christian tradition in the face of death. Its timeless melody and profound lyrics continue to inspire and comfort people today, just as they have for centuries.

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