Christós Anésti / Christ is Risen
SATB choral score with piano reduction
PEL2077-Choir and Piano
Full score and instrumental parts
PEL2077-FS/Brass
A SETTING OF THE EASTER HYMN "THOU HALLOWED CHOSEN MORN OF PRAISE" FOR SATB CHOIR, ORGAN, BRASS QUINTET AND PERCUSSION.
Christós Anésti is a majestic and atmospheric anthem for the Feast of the Resurrection. With Greek text from the Eastern Orthodox Rite, "Christos Anesti ek nekron", which translates as 'Christ is risen from the dead' and a translation of the words of John of Damascus from the eighth century, "Thou hallowed chosen morn of praise", Halley has created an original piece that juxtaposes rich and angular tonalities from the East with broad harmonies from the West. This mixing of two Christian church traditions and harmonic themes results in a glorious work of build and tension, majesty and depth. The Easter chant, "Victimae Paschali Laudes", makes an appearance in a rolling sequence in the organ and brass parts, played against the central 'hymn' theme, as is Halley's style to weave a number of themes and melodies into his work. The piece reaches a brilliant climax and conclusion suited to the glorious Resurrection.
Commissioned in honor of John Repulski, Director of Music, and Christ Church, Cranbrook, Illinois
Video
Notes
Composer's note
It is recommended that the piece be performed with the accompaniment of organ, brass quintet, and timpani as originally conceived. Therefore, we recommend at least 20-24 singers to balance the accompanying parts and fill the acoustics of the church.
Texts
Christós Anésti
Words: Eastern Orthodox Rite
John of Damascus (8th cent.), translated by J.M. Neale (1862)
Music: Paul Halley
Antiphon
Greek:
Χριστός ανέστη εκ νεκρών,
θανάτω θάνατον πατήσας.
Transliteration:
Christos Anesti ek nekron,
thanato thanaton patisas.
English:
Christ is risen from the dead,
trampling down death by death.
Hymn
Words: John of Damascus, eighth century
trans. John Mason Neale, 1862
Thou hallowed chosen morn of praise,
That best and greatest shinest;
Lady and queen and day of days,
Of things divine, divinest!
On thee our praises Christ adore
For ever and for evermore.
Come, let us taste the Vineʹs new fruit,
For heavenly joy preparing;
Today the branches with the root
In Resurrection sharing:
Whom as true God our hymns adore
For ever and for evermore.
Rise, Sion, rise! and looking forth,
Behold thy children round thee!
From east and west, from south and north,
Thy scattered sons have found thee;
And in thy bosom Christ adore
For ever and for evermore.
