The four stages of the Vigil
1. The light (liturgy of fire)
The Exsultet, sung a cappella, is the summit of this first stage. Around it, silence and restraint: we are emerging from the night.
2. The Word
Between the readings from the Old Testament, responsorial psalms carry the long wait. Vary the moods without breaking the recollection.
3. The Gloria and the Alleluia
The return of the Gloria (bells, organ) and then the great paschal Alleluia are the explosion awaited since Lent. This is where the choir gives everything.
4. The baptismal liturgy and the Eucharist
Litany of the Saints, sprinkling, a radiant communion hymn. The congregation is now fully in joy.
The pitfall to avoid
Too much music kills the drama. The strength of the Vigil comes from contrast: dare the bareness of the opening so that the Alleluia truly bursts out.
A reminder: only distribute scores or lyrics for works in the
public domain, your own compositions, or duly authorised works.
Do you need a hymn written for your celebration? Write to me.