Composer

:

Gregorian Chant

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

0:33

"Respondens autem Angelus" is a Gregorian chant that is part of the liturgy of the Catholic Church. It is a responsory that is sung during the Easter Vigil, which is the most important liturgical celebration of the year. The chant is sung in Latin and is characterized by its simple melody and its use of antiphonal singing. The composition date of "Respondens autem Angelus" is unknown, as it is part of the Gregorian chant tradition, which dates back to the early Middle Ages. The chant has been passed down through the centuries by oral tradition and has been written down in various manuscripts. The premiere of "Respondens autem Angelus" would have taken place during the Easter Vigil, which is held on the night before Easter Sunday. The chant is sung during the liturgy of the Word, which includes readings from the Old and New Testaments, as well as the singing of psalms and other chants. "Respondens autem Angelus" is divided into three movements, each of which is sung by a different group of singers. The first movement is sung by a soloist, who sings the opening words of the chant: "Respondens autem Angelus, dixit mulieribus." This is followed by a response from the choir, who sing the words "Nolite timere vos." The second movement is sung by the choir, who sing the words "Scitote quia Iesum, qui crucifixus est, surrexit." This is followed by a response from the soloist, who sings the words "Venite et videte locum, ubi positus erat Dominus." The third movement is sung by the choir, who sing the words "Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia." This is followed by a response from the soloist, who sings the words "Surrexit Dominus vere, et apparuit Simoni." "Respondens autem Angelus" is characterized by its simple melody, which is based on a series of repeating notes. The chant is also characterized by its use of antiphonal singing, in which different groups of singers alternate in singing the different parts of the chant. Overall, "Respondens autem Angelus" is a beautiful and powerful chant that is an important part of the Easter Vigil liturgy. Its simple melody and antiphonal singing help to create a sense of awe and reverence, as the faithful celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

More....