Composer

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Gregorian Chant

Genre

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Choral

Style

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Chant: Gregorian

Average_duration

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2:52

"Christus factus est" is a gradual in mode 5 of Gregorian Chant. It is a hymn that is sung during Holy Week, specifically on Maundy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his apostles. The hymn is based on the Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians, chapter 2, verses 8-9, which describes the humility and obedience of Christ, who "humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross. Therefore God also hath exalted him, and hath given him a name which is above all names." The composition of "Christus factus est" is attributed to an unknown composer from the 8th or 9th century. It is part of the Gregorian Chant repertoire, which is a collection of liturgical music that developed in the Western Church during the Middle Ages. The Gregorian Chant is named after Pope Gregory I, who is credited with organizing and codifying the chants that were used in the Roman liturgy. "Christus factus est" has three movements, each of which corresponds to a different verse of the Epistle of St. Paul. The first movement begins with the words "Christus factus est pro nobis obediens usque ad mortem" ("Christ became obedient for us unto death"). It is a slow and solemn melody that expresses the humility and sacrifice of Christ. The second movement begins with the words "Propter quod et Deus exaltavit illum" ("Therefore God also hath exalted him"). It is a more joyful and triumphant melody that celebrates the resurrection and glorification of Christ. The third movement begins with the words "In nomine Jesu omne genu flectatur" ("At the name of Jesus every knee should bow"). It is a majestic and powerful melody that proclaims the sovereignty and majesty of Christ. The characteristics of "Christus factus est" reflect the aesthetic and spiritual values of the Gregorian Chant. The melody is simple and unadorned, with a limited range of notes and a slow and steady rhythm. The emphasis is on the text, which is sung in Latin and is meant to convey the theological and liturgical meaning of the hymn. The melody is also designed to facilitate meditation and contemplation, allowing the listener to enter into a state of prayerful reflection and devotion. Overall, "Christus factus est" is a masterpiece of Gregorian Chant that embodies the essence of Christian spirituality and liturgy. Its timeless beauty and profound meaning continue to inspire and uplift believers around the world, making it a cherished part of the Christian musical heritage.

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