The Taizé Community

Christe Lux Mundi

Prayer at Taize is almost entirely sung. Over the course of the year, numerous different musical forms are used, including hymns, psalms, long or short responses and litanies sung a capella or accompanied by the organ, and certain songs from the Orthodox tradition. Most characteristic is the use of the 'songs of Taize', such as those presented in this new volume. The songs of Taize were first developed in the 1970s, as the number of young people from different countries grew and the need to find a way for all of them to participate in prayer together became more pressing. They were first presented to the English-speaking world in the 1980s in Music from Taize 1 & 2. These two volumes were followed in 1991 by Songs and Prayers of Taize (published by Mowbray/Continuum), the first book to give English translations for many of the songs, and in 1998 by Songs for Prayer. Christe Lux Mundi contains the principle songs written since then, nearly all composed by brothers of the Community. The contents do not overlap with the titles mentioned above. Christe Lux Mundi is available in two editions: the vocal edition contains, as well as the congregational parts, all the solo verses in English. The congregational parts on their own are also available in the assembly edition. Taize songs have two essential elements, whatever the context in which they are used. First, the songs are meditative and are intended to help open a contemplative dimension of prayer. Secondly, they are intended to allow the participation of everyone.