Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where’s thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia!
We love how lively this Easter hymn is. “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” is set to a melody known as “EASTER HYMN,” composed by Paul Sjolund in the early 20th century. The tune has a very fluid quality to it, with cascading refrains of “Alleluia.” It is appropriately sung throughout the entire Easter season.
The text was written by Charles Wesley, an 18th-century hymnist. Wesley rivaled J.S. Bach in his prolificity, penning more than 6,500 hymns in his time. Of course, with a number that high some tunes are of higher merit than others. Still, you can find an appropriate hymn by Wesley to suit any week of the year.
And today we celebrate...