Salve Regina Antiphon

As you’ve no-doubt experienced by now, St. John’s has begun singing the seasonal Marian antiphon at the end of each Mass. Now that Pentecost has passed, it is time for the next antiphon, the Salve Regina. You undoubtedly know this prayer since it is said at the end of every rosary: Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope…etc. The ’simple’ chant tone represents one of the great masterpieces of chant repertoire. I have prepared a video for anyone who would like to learn to sing the melody of the chant or get a feel for how I will play it after mass.

Here is an additional video of the chant being sung by monks. In this version you can hear the proper pronunciation of the text (as well as bask in the full glory of medieval chant sung in the traditional form). We hope you enjoy singing this wonderful gem from the treasury that is our musical patrimony!

—James Richardson, Director of Sacred Music