You may not yet be tired of playing The Monster Mash and Thriller, but for this Death Triduum of All Hallows' Eve, All Hallows', and All Souls' Day I wanted to share some Classical listening options as we head into November, the month dedicated to prayer for the Poor Souls.
During this time of year, as the natural world around us begins its annual decay and fades towards winter, the Church invites us to bring to mind our own mortal bodies, the state of our souls, and the souls of those already departed from this world. The Saints did this regularly through physical reminders like skulls that were reminders of the medieval phrase "Memento Mori" - Remember you death. In that vein, I pray that this collection may act as a Musical Memento Mori for your family during this season.
This playlist begins with a few grim instrumental pieces and multiple Elegie (mourning poems or laments) settings to add to the macabre atmosphere of All Hallows' Eve today. That tone continues with until Ralph Vaughn Williams' Te Deum in G where both the Trinity and Church Triumphant are lauded in this traditional Matins' chant or hymn. Following the Te Deum the mood shifts to focus on the dire need of the Poor Souls with more sacred works like penitential psalms and movements from my favorite requiems.
Blessings,
