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A gospel choir sang alleluias along with the stately hymns; non-Christian religious figures were given roles in the highly Protestant ceremony.

“I have heard! I have heard the word of God, alleluia! He said, ‘You witches come out.

Though the Bible readings through this period warn against performing dourness for the sake of impressing people with your piety, the church itself goes stark: rough, burlaplike vestments instead of shiny finery; no “alleluias.”

Arts at midday Soprano Mary Shaffran in a program of alleluias and hallelujahs by Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart and some surprises for the audience, including a Hallelujah Chorus sing-along.