Christ the Lord is risen again!

This great German chorale, the tune being known as "Würtemberg," comes from "Hundert Arien", published in Dresden in 1694.

The phrases are relatively short, and the mood is triumphant and exciting.

The original German text is by Michael Weisse, (ca. 1488-1534). Weisse was born at Neisse, in Silesia, and was a pastor among the Bohemian Brethren, and a contemporary with Luther. His hymns have received commendation.

The wonderful English translation was done by Catherine Winkworth (13 September 1827 – 1 July 1878). She was an English-language translator from London, and is best known for bringing the German chorale tradition to English speakers with her numerous translations of church hymns.

In this performance I've tried to show virtually every "type" of chorus that the organ can produce. The registration is conceived for a large, singing congregation, and the sound really "exults" in this one!

The score is attached below, as well as a photo Catherine Winkworth.

The text is as follows:

(one full verse of introduction)

Christ the Lord is risen again!
Christ hath broken every chain!
Hark! angelic voices cry,
Singing, evermore on high,
Alleluia!

He who gave for us his life,
Who for us endured the strife,
Is our Paschal Lamb today;
We too sing, for joy, and say
Alleluia!

He who bore all pain and loss
Comfortless upon the Cross,
Lives in glory, now on high,
Pleads for us, and hears our cry:
Alleluia!

He whose path no records tell,
Who descended into hell,
Who the strong man armed hath bound,
Now in highest heaven is crowned.
Alleluia!

He who slumbered in the grave
Is exalted now to save;
Now through Christendom it rings
That the Lamb is King of Kings.
Alleluia!

Now he bids us tell abroad
How the lost may be restored,
How the penitent forgiven,
How we too may enter heaven.
Alleluia!

Thou, our Paschal Lamb indeed,
Christ, thy ransomed people feed;
Take our sins and guilt away:
Let us sing by night and day
Alleluia!