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Words: Charles Wesley / Music: (Worgan?, Handel?) |
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The author of the musical score is unknown. Some think the composer was a man named Worgan, because this name appear as the title on some early manuscripts. Others have suggested George Frideric Handel. It began as a Latin hymn (Surrexit Christus Hodie) in the 14th century. The song is one of the last great Latin hymns written before the Reformation. Also called Easter Hymn, it is the only melody that survives from the 18th century song book, Lyra Davidica (Songs of David). It was preserved in the The Compleat Psalmodist, compiled by John Arnold in 1749. Early Christians greeted each other Easter morning, "Alleluia, the Lord is risen!" The word was often used by early Christians and comes from Hebrew, meaning "praise the Lord." This hymn will be sung in most every church in the U.S.A. on Easter, and also throughout the world. On that morning, it is easy to imagine yourself singing it together with all Christians everywhere in praise to God. George Frideric Handel (1685 – 1759) was a German-born composer who lived most of his adult life in England, becoming a British citizen, His most famous work is The Messiah, an oratorio set to texts from the King James Bible; other well-known works are Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks. His work influenced both Mozart and Beethoven. ____________________________________________________________ Related Pages:
____________________________________________________________ Photo of Skellig Michael Copyright © Irish Tourist Board. (Except Hymn Words and Music) Copyright © 2007 S.G.P. All rights reserved. Next Classic Hymns Index FEATURES
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Hear It Sung: Video: "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" |
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