Musical traditions (hymns, folk songs, religious choirs)
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5.4 Musical traditions (hymns, folk songs, religious choirs)
5.4.1 Liturgical hymns dedicated to St Michael
Origin and spread of official hymns
Liturgical devotion to St Michael the Archangel is very ancient and has been expressed since the origins of the Church through solemn hymns, found in Latin and Oriental breviaries. Hymns dedicated to the Archangel, especially on 29 September (feast of the Holy Archangels) and 8 May (apparition on the Gargano), were composed in Latin and later translated or adapted into local languages, while retaining their theological and musical force.
These hymns were not only forms of praise, but also catechetical tools: through poetic verses they extolled the virtues of the Archangel, his function as defender of the Church and guide of souls.
"Te Splendor et Virtus Patris" and other classical texts
Among the most famous texts is 'Te Splendor et Virtus Patris', a Latin hymn attributed to Rabanus Maurus or to the Carolingian sphere, in use in the Liturgy of the Hours for the feast of St Michael. The hymn describes Michael as "splendour and strength of the Father", a heavenly warrior and victor over the infernal dragon.
Other significant hymns are:
"Christe, sanctorum decus Angelorum",
"Sancte Michael Archangele, defende nos in proelio" (para-liturgical hymn),
and modern poetic versions included in the new CEI hymnals or used in entrance and communion songs.
Use in Roman, Ambrosian and Byzantine celebrations
The presence of hymns to St Michael varies depending on the liturgical rite:
In the Roman Rite, the hymn Te Splendor et Virtus Patris is included in the second Vespers of the feast on 29 September.
In the Ambrosian rite, there is a specific liturgy in honour of the Archangel with its own musical texts.
In the Byzantine rite, the memory of the Archangels (8 November) is accompanied by tropari and kondakion, hymns typical of the Eastern tradition, often performed with polyphonic chants.
In all traditions, sacred music plays a central role in celebrating the figure of Saint Michael as guide, defender and herald of hope.
Multimedia Content
Images
Gregorian score of the hymn 'Te Splendor et Virtus Patris'
Facsimile of the Gregorian manuscript of the hymn dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, taken from the Nocturnale Romanum.
Byzantine Icon of St Michael Archangel
Byzantine-style depiction of the Archangel Michael, symbol of the Eastern tradition.
1. Medieval miniature of the hymn 'Te Splendor et Virtus Patris'
Illustration from a medieval manuscript containing the hymn to St Michael.
Video
"Te Splendor et Virtus Patris" - Gregorian hymn sung
Performance of the Latin hymn dedicated to St Michael the Archangel, performed in the Gregorian tradition.
"Sancte Michael Archangele, defende nos in proelio" - Gregorian chant
Traditional hymn in Latin invoking the protection of St Michael during battles
Solemn Vespers of St Michael Archangel - Ambrosian Rite
Celebration of Vespers in honour of St Michael according to the Ambrosian rite, with choral performances.
Sources and References
Liturgy of the Hours - Official CEI texts
Cantus Index - Gregorian and Carolingian Repertoire
Ambrosian Church - Office for Sacred Music
Byzantine Tradition - Archimandrite A. Pizzuto
International Liturgical Archives - Studies on angelic hymns
5.4.2 Local folk and devotional songs
For centuries, the popular cult of St Michael Archangel has been expressed through a rich oral repertoire of songs, handed down from generation to generation, especially on the patronal feast days of 29 September and 8 May. These songs, often performed by spontaneous groups or popular choirs, accompanied processions, prayer vigils, the 'raising' of the simulacrum and moments of thanksgiving.
Many songs, although not transcribed, have remained alive in the collective memory, adapted over the centuries but recognisable by their simple, rhythmic and engaging structure. Music represented an accessible tool for expressing popular faith and involving the community.
Dialect songs and vernacular compositions
A distinctive feature of these songs is the use of the local dialect, which makes the texts close to the sensitivity of the people. In the regions of southern Italy - in particular Apulia, Campania, Calabria and Sicily - the songs to St Michael alternate between praise, invocations and miracle stories.
Notable examples include:
'Evviva San Michele' - widespread chant in the Gargano,
'Santu Micheli, difindici tu' - in Campania dialect,
and the numerous lauds sung during the vigil in the grotto or during the procession of the simulacrum.
Vernacular compositions are often accompanied by traditional instruments such as
tambourines, accordions and accordions, strengthening the link between music, territory and devotion.
Music and religiosity in processions
During the processions, music assumes a role of spiritual guidance and aggregation: popular songs, alternating with religious marches, accompany each stage of the procession, emphasising the salient moments of the sacred path. The mixture of voice, faith and walk is a typical feature of the religious manifestations of the Micael cult.
In some contexts, women open the procession by intoning litanies and traditional songs, while male choirs follow the simulacrum. This singing 'on the way' becomes a lived liturgy and sound memory of the popular faith.
Multimedia Content
Images
Procession of St Michael Archangel in Monte Sant'Angelo
Photogram taken from the procession on 29 September 2023, showing the faithful in prayer and singing during the procession.
San Michele Arcangelo' Folk Group of Bono
Performance by the folk group in traditional costume during the 'Sas Domos de Angioy' event.
Devotional songs of pilgrims to St Michael Archangel
Video showing pilgrims singing traditional songs during the pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of St Michael Archangel.
Video
"Hurray for St Michael!" - Traditional Gargano chant
Recording of a popular song in honour of St Michael, performed during a local festival.
"S Michele del Gargano" - Singing by Gino Maringola
Musical performance dedicated to St Michael, with images of the procession in Sant'Angelo all'Esca (AV).
Sciuta and the Festival of San Michele in Palazzolo Acreide
Video documenting the traditional 'sciuta' and the feast in honour of San Michele in the Sicilian municipality.
Sources and References
Sanctuarysanmichele.it - Sound Archives of Popular Festivals
Ministry of Culture - ICCD - 'Southern Sound Memories' Project
Music and the Sacred - Essays on Folk Songs and Processions
Gargano Laudi Collection - Apulian Oral Traditions
TV2000 - Documentaries on festivals and religious music
5.4.3 Religious choirs and parish groups
Role of choirs in Michaelmas celebrations
Parish religious choirs are a fundamental component of celebrations dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel. Their presence ensures liturgical solemnity and encourages the active participation of the faithful. During the patronal feasts of 29 September and 8 May, the choirs animate:
the solemn Mass,
vespers and Eucharistic adoration,
and processions, during which they accompany with traditional songs or liturgical marches.
The repertoire ranges from Latin hymns (e.g. Te Splendor et Virtus Patris) to modern songs inspired by the figure of the Archangel, to pieces composed specifically for local communities.
Inter-parish projects and sacred music festivals
In many contexts, parish choirs join together in diocesan or inter-parish projects, creating larger ensembles on the occasion of major celebrations, anniversaries or events dedicated to St. Michael. They are also frequent:
festivals of religious choirs in honour of the Archangel,
festival of sacred music with a micaelico theme,
initiatives related to the Saint Michael's Way.
These events make it possible to exchange musical experiences, highlight young talents and
promote liturgical and musical culture at community and inter-regional levels.
Youth Initiatives and Repertoire Renewal
In recent years, many parishes have invested in youth music training, involving teenagers and young adults in choral projects. Through music workshops, weekly rehearsals and pastoral activities, the new generation contributes to renewing the repertoire, introducing modern instruments (guitar, keyboard, percussion) and composing new songs of biblical or devotional inspiration.
The aim is to combine tradition and innovation, keeping the devotion to St Michael alive even in contemporary musical languages.
Multimedia Content
Images
Sacred Music Festival 'Pacem in Terris' in Cortona
Poster for the 19th Festival of Sacred Music, directed by Marco Frisina, held in Cortona from 2 to 10 July 2022.
Youth Choral Laboratory of Liturgical Music in Lecco
Initiative aimed at children and young people between the ages of 7 and 18 for liturgical music training. View image
Video
"Man after your own heart" - San Michele Youth Choir
Performance by the San Michele Youth Choir of the Parish of San Michele Arcangelo in Bastia Umbra (PG).
Sources and References
Diocesan Liturgical Offices - Guidelines for parish choirs
St Michael's Way - Music events and religious festivals
Ministry of Culture - Regional Choral Repertoires
TV2000 - Services on sacred music and community
Italian Liturgical Choirs Association - Training and pastoral projects
5.4.4 Instrumental music: bands and fanfares
Religious marches dedicated to the Archangel
The figure of Saint Michael the Archangel has inspired numerous religious marches, composed to accompany processions or to be performed at solemn moments of celebrations. These
compositions, often handed down within local bands, form a fundamental part of the musical heritage of patronal festivals.
Among the most performed marches are:
San Michele, solemn march by an unknown author, widespread in Apulia,
Gloria a San Michele, composed for the celebrations on 29 September,
arrangements of liturgical hymns in an orchestral version, designed for parades and processional outings.
Original compositions for processions
In addition to the traditional repertoire, many master band members have composed original pieces in honour of St Michael, often characterised by a simple and engaging harmonic structure, designed to support the slow pace of the procession and the gathering of the crowd.
These compositions are often written specifically for:
the exit of the simulacrum,
moments of adoration as the statue passes by,
the solemn entrance into the church,
and are kept in parish or municipal music archives.
Band tradition in the Micaelic cult
In many places in Italy, the town or parish band has for centuries been an institution inseparable from the celebrations dedicated to the Archangel. The presence of the band accompanies:
uphill processions to mountain sanctuaries (e.g. Monte Sant'Angelo),
the 'sciute' and returns of the simulacrum,
and civil festivities related to religious festivities.
In addition to their musical value, bands represent a cultural and identity presidium, involving several generations and strengthening the sense of community belonging. Music thus becomes a channel for transmitting faith, embodied in the sounds that tell of the struggle between good and evil.
Multimedia Content
Images
Band during the Procession of St Michael Archangel in Carbonara (22/10/2022)
Still from the video of the procession with the brass band.
Score of Luigi Cherubini's "Marcia Religiosa" Score image available on Score Exchange.
Video
Performance by the 'Citt di Monte Sant'Angelo' Band during the Patronal Feast of St. Michael Archangel 2024
Excerpt from the band's performance.
Procession of St Michael Archangel in Palazzolo Acreide (SR) - Feast of St Michael 2024
Video of the procession with band accompaniment.
Carabinieri fanfare plays the National Anthem in Piazza di Pietra
Fanfare performance at a public event.
Sources and References
Bandeapuglia.it - Archive of religious marches
National Association of Bands - 'Music and Devotion' Section
TV2000 - Specials on patronal feasts and religious music
Saint Michael's Path - Audio and visual documentation
Manfredonia Historical Music Archive - Repertoires for Michaelic festivals
5.4.5 Documentation and transcription of songs
Collection and transcription of traditional songs
The transmission of devotional songs dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, particularly those linked to the popular context, was oral for centuries. It is only in recent times, thanks to the work of ethnomusicologists, local choirs and parish researchers, that a systematic work of collection and transcription has begun.
These initiatives aim to safeguard a sound heritage at risk of extinction, especially in rural areas where transmission between generations has faded away. Transcriptions, made from manuscript scores or audio recordings, become fundamental tools for:
the study of popular musicality,
recovery in a liturgical or didactic context,
the valorisation of local intangible culture.
Sound archive projects and heritage valorisation
Various religious and civil institutions have promoted digitisation and sound archiving projects, creating accessible archives containing:
historical recordings of choirs and processions,
scores of liturgical and popular songs,
collections of lyrics sung in dialect.
Important examples are the Gargano Sound Archives, the Museum of Religious Traditions of Apulia, and the digital archives of the dioceses of Manfredonia, Benevento and Naples. A number of projects involve schools, conservatories and parishes, in a collective work of preservation and re-enactment of the Micaelico musical cult.
Examples of musical notation and instruments used
The transcription of songs is often accompanied by an analysis of the musical notation used: from the Gregorian mode to the simpler systems of popular music. The sheet music not only contains the melody, but also:
rhythmic indications,
vocal or instrumental accompaniment,
comments on executive practice.
The most commonly used instruments are accordions, accordions, tambourines, classical guitars and flutes: simple but effective in supporting community singing. The documentation of these aspects is essential to keep alive a sound memory integrated with liturgical and popular practice.
Multimedia Content
Images
Sheet music of the Hymn in Honour of St Michael Archangel
Score of the devotional song dedicated to St Michael, used in liturgical celebrations.
Analogue reel-to-reel recorder
Example of a recorder used for the collection of traditional songs in ethnomusicology.
Video
"Hymn in Honour of St Michael Archangel" - Choral Performance
Interpretation of the traditional hymn dedicated to St Michael, performed by a liturgical choir.
"SAN MICHELE ARCANGELO" - Bruno Dasi with choir
Popular musical piece in honour of St Michael, performed by Bruno Dasi accompanied by choir.
"Saint Michael Archangel Parish Choir Ottaviano - 8 May 2008".
Recording of a choral performance during the celebration of St Michael's Day. Watch the video
Sources and References
Gargano Sound Archives - www.archiviosonoro.org
Ministry of Culture - ICCD - Ethnomusicology and digitisation
St. Michael's Way - Music Recovery Projects
Collections of traditional religious songs - Local and parish editions
Conservatories and dioceses of Southern Italy - Liturgical-musical archives