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Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

“No hymn deserves more to be reintroduced in our catholic tradition.” —Dom Ermin Vitry

Jeff Ostrowski · May 3, 2021

HICH VERNACULAR HYMN is the most ancient? Like so many liturgical items, the answer is complicated. Father Robert Skeris said Christ ist erstanden—a Leise from the 12th century—is “the oldest preserved Easter hymn in the vernacular.” A 14th century version (in campo aperto) can be found on folio 83v in the KLOSTERNEUBURG MS #1213. Yes, that means ancient Latin manuscripts suddenly break into German (“Christ ist erstanden”) for this little tune—and I realize some will find that remarkable. In 1943, Dom Hügle attempted to match a Latin text with the famous tune, but it has several awkward moments. The Brébeuf hymnal (Sophia Institute Press, 2018) uses the text of the Church’s oldest Latin Eucharistic hymn, which fits like a glove. The Brébeuf hymnal also provides an English version, translated by Fr. Adrian Fortescue. Unlike other translations—such as the one by Dr. John M. Neale—Fortescue’s translation matches the original meter.

We had a new group of singers yesterday and needed a nice little hymn. Here’s our live recording:

*  YouTube • VERSION IN LATIN
—Number 465 from the Saint Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal.

*  YouTube • VERSION IN ENGLISH
—Number 464 from the Saint Jean de Brébeuf Hymnal.

*  PDF Download • Original Text (7th Century)
—Hat tip to Steven Van Roode and the Library of Milan.

Of course Father Fortescue was not the only person to translate this hymn into English. For example, a Roman Catholic poet named Denis Florence MacCarthy also produced a very fine English translation, but unlike the version in the Brébeuf hymnal, MacCarthy’s doesn’t match the original meter:

Many composers set Christ ist erstanden. For example, the Flemish composer Jacob Regnart (d. 1599) created an entire Mass based upon it. Each movement (KYRIE, GLORIA, CREDO, SANCTUS, BENEDICTUS, AGNUS) quotes the famous melody:

*  PDF Download • KYRIE
—Jakob Regnardt (d. 1599) Missa super “Christ ist erstanden”

The complete Mass is quite beautiful, and we are considering singing it at our FSSP parish. I often tell my choir members how the best composers tended to die around 1599AD—it’s quite remarkable! Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (d. 1594); Orlande de Lassus (d. 1594); Annibale Zoilo (d. 1592); Jacob Regnart (d. 1599); Luca Marenzio (d. 1599); Father Francisco Guerrero (d. 1599); and so forth.

At the height of the Second World War, Dom Ermin Vitry wrote about Christ ist erstanden as follows: “There is no motet or hymn which deserves more to be reintroduced in our catholic tradition. The proof of its musical superiority is proven by the fact that J. Sebastian Bach composed on its design more than seven figured chorals.” He is correct—for example, search YouTube for the Bach Cantata with “Christ lag in Todesbanden.”

How Old Is This?

The melody in the Brébeuf hymnal is from approximate 1150AD.

The text in the Brébeuf hymnal is from approximately 625AD.

The harmonies in the Brébeuf hymnal are from 2018.

Remember that texts are always going to be “older” than melodies, because humanity didn’t figure out how to write down melodies until about 950AD, thanks especially to a Benedictine monk named Guido d’Arezzo. For more information about the Church’s oldest Latin Eucharistic hymn, please see:

*  Collected Articles • “The Oldest Latin Eucharistic Hymn”

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

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Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: Oldest Latin Eucharistic Hymn, Sancti Venite Eucharistic Last Updated: May 28, 2024

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About Jeff Ostrowski

Jeff Ostrowski holds his B.M. in Music Theory from the University of Kansas (2004). He resides with his wife and children in Michigan. —(Read full biography).

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Corpus Christi Watershed

President’s Corner

    New Bulletin Article • “14 September 2025”
    My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article (dated 14 September 2025) discusses OFFERTORY ANTIPHONS and contains a wonderful quote by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • Draft Copy (Pamphlet)
    A few days ago, I posted a draft copy of this 12-page pamphlet with citations about the laity’s “full, conscious, and active participation.” Its basic point or message is that choir directors should never feel embarrassed to teach real choral music because Vatican II explicitly ordered them to do that! We’ve received tons of mail regarding that pamphlet, with many excellent suggestions for improvement. Please feel free to chime in!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Entrance Chant” • 23rd (Ordinary Time)
    This coming Sunday, 7 September 2025, is the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). You can download the “Entrance Chant,” conveniently located at the feasts website. I also recorded a rehearsal video for it (freely available at the same website). The Communion Chant includes gorgeous verses in FAUXBOURDON. I attempted to create a rehearsal video for it, and it’s been posted at the feasts website, called by some: “church music’s best kept secret.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”
    We were sent an internet statement (screenshot) that’s garnered significant attention, in which KARL KEATING (founder of Catholic Answers) speaks about whether canonizations are infallible. Mr. Keating seems unaware that canonizations are—in the final analysis—a theological opinion. They are not infallible, as explained in this 2014 article by a priest (with a doctorate in theology) who worked for multiple popes. Mr. Keating says: “I’m unaware of such claims arising from any quarter until several recent popes disliked by these Traditionalists were canonized, including John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Usually Paul VI receives the most opprobrium.” Mr. Keating is incorrect; e.g. Father John Vianney, several centuries ago, taught clearly that canonizations are not infallible. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen would be another example, although clearly much more recent than Saint John Vianney.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Vatican II Changed Wedding Propers?
    It’s often claimed that the wedding propers were changed after Vatican II. As a matter of fact, that is a false claim. The EDITIO VATICANA propers (Introit: Deus Israel) remained the same after Vatican II. However, a new set of propers (Introit: Ecce Deus) was provided for optional use. The same holds true for the feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great on 3 September: the 1943 propers (Introit: Si díligis me) were provided for optional use, but the traditional PROPRIA MISSAE (Introit: Sacerdótes Dei) were retained; they weren’t gotten rid of. The Ordo Cantus Missae (1970) makes this crystal clear, as does the Missal itself. There was an effort made in the post-conciliar years to eliminate so-called “Neo-Gregorian” chants, but (contrary to popular belief) most were retained: cf. the feast of Christ the King, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and so forth.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)
    How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

“It is required of a man that he should share the passion and action of his time at peril of being judged not to have lived.”

— Oliver Wendell Holmes

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