Jubilate Music
11422, SATB with congregation, $3.50
Date released: 1994

This Eastertide hymn concertato opens with the hymn “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” (LYRICA DAVIDICA) in a fanfare style, moves to a minor setting of the spiritual, “Were You There,” which modulates to a major key for the last stanza, “Were you there when He rose up from the grave?”. After a short instrumental interlude, the medley concludes with a verse of “Alleluia, Sing to Jesus” (HYFRYDOL) incorporating a soprano descant and congregational involvement. The original choral fanfare, “Christ is risen! Alleluia!” returns at the end for a majestic finale. This medley is especially suitable for smaller mainline churches who want an extended work (6-7 minutes) but do not choose to do a full-length cantata. The difficulty level is medium to easy and is accessible to good high school choirs as well as adults.