Composer

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Gregorian Chant

Genre

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Choral

Style

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Chant

Average_duration

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0:44

"Regina caeli" is a Gregorian chant antiphon that is sung during the Easter season. It is in Mode 6 and is listed as No. 278 in the Liber Usualis. The antiphon is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who is referred to as the Queen of Heaven. The text of the antiphon is as follows: Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia. Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia. Resurrexit sicut dixit, alleluia. Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia. Translated into English, the text reads: Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia. For He whom you were worthy to bear, alleluia. Has risen as He said, alleluia. Pray for us to God, alleluia. The antiphon is typically sung during the Angelus prayer, which is recited three times a day (morning, noon, and evening) in the Catholic Church. It is also sung during the Regina Coeli prayer, which is recited during the Easter season in place of the Angelus. The melody of "Regina caeli" is characterized by its flowing, melismatic phrases. The mode 6 melody is in a minor key, which gives it a mournful quality that is appropriate for the Easter season. The antiphon is typically sung in unison, with no harmony or accompaniment. "Regina caeli" is believed to have been composed in the 12th century, although its exact origins are unknown. It has been a popular chant in the Catholic Church for centuries and is still sung today during the Easter season.

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