Gregorian Chant: The Eternal Song
By Sr. Fidelis
Ascended
“Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him ascend into heaven.”
The Mode 1 Offertory for Thursday’s Ascension contains a melismatic passage on the word “ascend” that is word painting in sound. Its “startling” leaps span an octave, with many thirds and fifths, all sung in a light and floating manner, according to the ancient notation. One can only imagine the clouds parting and swirling as he rose from their sight. Listen to this amazing piece, one of the great gems of the Gregorian repertory.
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