Alleluia, alleluia
℟. Dum transisset sabbatum, Maria Magdalene et Maria Jacobi et Salome emerunt aromata ut venientes ungerent Jesum. Alleluia, alleluia.
℣. Et valde mane una sabbatorum veniunt ad monumentum orto iam sole.
℟. Ut venientes ungerent Jesum. Alleluia, alleluia.
℣. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
℟. When the Sabbath was passed, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint Jesus. Alleluia, alleluia.
℣. And very early in the morning, the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre, at the rising of the sun.
℟. That they might come and anoint Jesus. Alleluia, alleluia.
℣. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
I love this Taverner setting of this Matins responsory—it might just be my favorite piece of music for Easter—and the Tallis Scholars’ rendition is transcendent. The alleluias are sung three times, but each repetition draws out new meaning: The first time, they’re a beam of light piercing the darkness and the disciples’ grief. The second time they sound subdued and meditative, shrouded in the mystery of the Resurrection. The third time, they’re triumphant. Christ is risen!
Happy Easter, everyone.