ISBN 600313480393. Language: English.
The text for this anthem is based on the poem, 'Lo, the Earth is Risen Again,' by Samuel Longfellow (1819-1892), brother of the famous American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The lyrics announce the return of Spring: 'Bring we leaf and flower and spray' all the earth is born anew.' This celebration of the renewal of the earth is joined with the spiritual rebirth- the Resurrection of Christ. 'Life has triumphed over death, and beauty sings on every breath...for Christ our Lord is risen again!' The music is lively and celebratory. Voices 'leap' over intervals of fifths. The rhythmic underpinning is based on the energy of renewed life. 'How our spirits soar and sing!' The one quiet moment in the anthem comes with the phrase 'All our fears and griefs shall be lost in immortality.' For this is an expression of the wonderment of eternal life. The livelier music then returns and rises to the end. -Gwyneth Walker.
