REGINA CAELI

Gregor Aichinger’s setting of the "Regina Caeli" is a bright and triumphant choral piece that rings out in Catholic parishes throughout the Easter season. As the traditional Marian antiphon sung from Easter Sunday until Pentecost, the text calls on the Queen of Heaven to rejoice because Christ has risen as He promised. Aichinger’s classic polyphony brings this joy to life, weaving the voices together in a lively, uplifting declaration of faith.

For a choir, preparing this piece is a wonderful exercise in independent part-singing. The voices often echo one another, particularly in the cascading "Alleluja" passages and the rhythmic drive of "Resurrexit sicut dixit" (He has risen as He said). It is a favorite for Easter Sunday Masses, serving beautifully as an Offertory or Communion motet. When the choir finally unites on the closing "Ora pro nobis Deum" (Pray for us to God), it leaves the congregation with a profound sense of Easter gladness.