Singing the Exsultet

In just a few short weeks we will have arrived at Easter.  A highlight of the Easter Vigil is the singing of the Exsultet.  This long poem is a hymn to the candle and the light and celebrates, among other things, the bees who have given their wax to the creation of this pillar of light. 

The Exsultet is not easy to sing.  And especially, with a new translation this year, it is even more important that those who will be singing the Exsultet prepare themselves carefully.

In the recent issue of Pastoral Liturgy (published by LTP) Fr. John Mark Klaus, TOR, offers some practical suggestions for those preparing this important task:

• Listen to a recording.  LTP has a set of CDs with all of the chants of the Missal in two volumes.  The National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) also has sound files which can be used as an aid in preparation.
• Begin practicing the Exsultet early.  Take one section each week.  This will not only help with learning but will help increase stamina which is necessary for effective singing.
• Find a good pitch in the middle of your voice range.  This might not be the pitch which is found in the Roman Missal.  As a bass I would not be able to sustain the higher register so I take it down to a pitch that is more comfortable and sustainable.

The Liturgical Press has published a beautiful book with the Exsultet and illuminated pages.  It is a beautiful, worthy book.  I will be using mine to prepare the Exsultet by meditating on both the music and the illuminations.  Here is the link to a sample of the pages.

http://litpress.org/excerpts/9780814633649.pdf