The Catholic Church has many beautiful and sacred traditions for Easter, but it’s fair to say that Easter would feel very different without the transcendence of liturgical music.
The sung texts for each day of the Easter Triduum – from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday – have been carefully selected to help the faithful understand the “importance in the celebrations of these days, for when texts are sung, they have their proper impact,” according to the Roman Missal.
Catholic Outlook spoke to Eric Grella, Assistant Director of Music at St Patrick’s Cathedral and Music Formation Facilitator in the Mission Enhancement Team to take us on a musical journey through the Triduum.
Service and discipleship for Holy Thursday
“When thinking about music for Holy Thursday, it’s important to reflect on the principal mysteries, being the institution of the Holy Eucharist, the priestly order, and fraternal charity,” says Eric.
“The Gloria is sung with bells ringing for the last time until the Easter Vigil. The Roman Missal prescribes hymns, chants, and texts for all the parts of the liturgy unique to the Triduum. The first being the Mandatum, otherwise known as the washing of feet.
“Musicians may like to reflect on the seven antiphons when selecting music, with the main themes being service and discipleship. Ubi Caritas is a very fitting offertory hymn as gifts for the poor may be presented with the bread and wine during the procession.
“Holy Thursday concludes with the Eucharistic procession and Adoration. Traditional chants like Pange Lingua with Tantum Ergo Sacramentum are most appropriate for this.”
A choir is seen during the 2023 Holy Thursday Mass at Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Rouse Hill. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Sorrow and lamentation for Good Friday
“On Good Friday, the faithful embark on a journey of profound sorrow and lamentation, as they contemplate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ,” Eric continues.
“Musicians may like to find musical settings of The Reproaches, a series of antiphons and responses, expressing the remonstrance of Jesus Christ with his people. The text contrasts Old Testament stories of God’s goodness with humanity’s enactment of evil against God’s Son.
“Another hymn to consider is the Stabat Mater, which expresses the sorrow of Mary at the crucifixion of her son. Good Friday calls for silence, especially as the Blessed Sacrament is brought back from the place of repose to the altar, and as all depart at the end of the liturgy.”
Choir members during the 2023 Good Friday liturgy at St Canice’s Church, Katoomba. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Anticipation and an explosion of joy for the Easter Vigil
“Amidst the solemnity of Holy Saturday, a sense of anticipation fills the air, as we await the dawning of Easter Sunday and the promise of resurrection,” Eric said.
“The Easter Vigil, the culmination of this sacred day, is marked by an explosion of joy and exultation. Through the ancient Exsultet and the resounding Alleluia, worshippers proclaim the triumph of light over darkness and life over death, heralding the arrival of the risen Christ and the dawn of a new era of hope and salvation. It is desirable to sing all the psalms, the great Easter Alleluia and the Litany of Saints to enhance the joy of the celebration.”
Parish Priest Fr Wim Hoeksta during the 2022 Easter Vigil at St Michael’s Church, Baulkham Hills. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Unparalleled celebration for Easter Sunday
“Easter Sunday, the apex of the Easter Triduum, is a day of unparalleled joy and celebration. As congregations gather to mark the resurrection of Christ, the air reverberates with the resounding alleluias of all the Easter hymns,” he said.
“One important thing to remember is the Easter Sequence, before the Gospel Acclamation. The Easter Sequence serves as a pivotal moment in the Easter liturgy. It invites worshippers to participate actively in the proclamation of the Easter Gospel and to enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s redemptive work. Through its lyrical beauty and theological richness, the Easter Sequence inspires devotion and contemplation, reinforcing the joyous message of Easter and the hope it brings to all believers.”
Eric wishes all a blessed Easter Triduum: “may the music of the Easter Triduum continue to inspire and uplift our spirits, guiding us towards a deeper appreciation of the sacred traditions that enrich our faith journey.”
The St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir are seen during the 2021 Easter Sunday Solemn Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
You are invited to join your local faith community this Holy Week in celebrating Christ’s journey from death to new life.
Find your closest Mass and Liturgy time by visiting parracatholic.org/find-a-mass
