This list of twelve songs that are suitable for use during the whole of the season of Easter and are largely drawn from independent sources. For a list of hymns that may be found in the hymn books please click here.
Alleluia alleluia let the holy anthem rise – Timothy Smith
A jazzy interpretation of traditional words by Edward Caswell, this piece would work well with guitars though it would not be easy to play. It can be sung in unison but there is SATB harmony and a descant.
Alleluia raise the anthem – Job Hupton/ John Mason Neale
A modernised version of ‘Come ye faithful raise the strain’. I am not familiar with the suggested tune but Jubilate has suggestions of other well-known tunes that will work.
Alleluia, Christ is risen – Carol Browning
The marking is ‘Gospel swing’. A fairly easy refrain for the assembly; it has 4-part harmony and modulates for the final refrain which includes a soprano descant.
An Easter carol – Ephrem Feeley
This joyful setting of words by Timothy Dudley Smith could be sung by SATB as written or in unison by the whole assembly. A violin part is included.
Bread of life, cup of blessing – Dolores Dufner, Michel Guimont
A simple verse refrain piece that is in unison. Particularly relevant during the Easter season but useful for Communion on any day.
He is risen – Ricky Manalo
A contemporary setting of the words ‘Jesus Christ is risen today’. Arranged for SATB plus descant, it can be sung in unison and would work well with guitar.
Surrexit Dominus vere – Taizé
A round based on the text ‘Surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia’. Instrument parts are available. Listen here.
The wondrous news – Dan Schutte
This piece is arranged for SAB choir with an added descant in the refrain and should be straightforward for the assembly to join in. Instrument parts are available separately.
This is the day – Martin Barry
Although this is the common psalm for the Easter season and can be used as such, it might work better elsewhere in the Mass. Arranged for SATB/all, with instrument parts also available, this one will work with guitar or keyboard. I love the way it changes key for the final refrains. In the words of the GIA blurb “This one rocks!”
Three days – M D Ridge
A hymn that speaks of how the disciples must have felt during the days between Jesus’ death and resurrection. Sung to ‘Thaxted’.
Word that formed creation – Marty Haugen
These words by Marty Haugen are set to the tune ‘Noel Nouvelet’. The verses have two parts while the refrain is set for SATB. Instrument parts are included and the octavo also has the words to ‘Now the green blade’ set to the same arrangement.
You have put on Christ – Stephen Dean
Also in Resurrexit and CFE and Laudate but mentioned here because OCP and Resurrexit have extra SATB arrangements. OCP also have trumpet parts. Listen here.
Music, Liturgy and ME 