The Laudes Regiæ (English:Royal Praises) is a hymn also known by the first six words of the chant Christus vincit! Christus regnat! Christus imperat! (English: Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ commands). The melody for this section of the hymn is used as an interval signal for Vatican Radio's shortwave transmissions.
Contents
History
This hymn is sung in the Catholic Church in solemn events, often just at Pontifical High Mass. It consists of six "parts" and is one of the longest hymns. Laudes Regiæ has its origins in as far back as ancient Rome. When Roman leader including general, emperors or consuls entered the Eternal City after triumph in a great battle they were meet by the chants of the people. Charlemagne, himself adopted Roman traditions for his own use. When he was crowned as Emperor of the Romans in 800A.D., he adopted Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat, also called the Laudes Imperiale. Those words formed a chant which was used in the coronations of the Holy Roman Emperors for centuries.
Lyrics
The text is the lyrics for the Cantors and the italics is the Response