Augsburg Fortress
0800659538, SATB with keyboard & opt. trumpets, $3.00
Date released: 2000

Excitement will pervade your Easter season service as your choir shares this musical celebration of the risen Lord! Though the beautifully descriptive text was penned by Bishop Chr. Wordsworth more than 100 years ago, the message is timeless, and Mark Hayes has set the verses in a chorale style with a stately melody reminiscent of a trumpet fanfare. The energetic tempo requires a light approach vocally and mirrors the almost breathless joy of the words “Christ is risen!” A slower and more lyrical third verse provides contrast to the first theme, which returns with the final stanza and culminates in a fully-voiced “Amen!” The partwriting is accessible to almost any choir, and the piece is easy and enjoyable to learn; your accompanist will love the keyboard part, too, for it is not difficult and is fun to play. Optional parts for two Bb trumpets are provided in the choral score.