Easter
Easter is the most important Christian holiday. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead and also the arrival of spring and new life.
Three days after Jesus’ burial, some women go to his tomb. To their great surprise, it is open and empty. An angel tells them that Jesus has risen. Dying is no longer the end of life. Christians and other religions believe in an eternal, happy existence after death. There is no more pain or sorrow.
Every year, believers commemorate the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. On Maundy Thursday, they reflect on the Last Supper that Jesus had with his disciples. On Good Friday, they remember the crucifixion. After Holy Saturday, Easter follows, the feast of Christ’s resurrection. Throughout the centuries, countless composers have composed music for all these occasions.
In this song program, as often happens, there are some extremes: Hindemith, Vaughan Williams, Mahler, and Bob Dylan.
Playlist:
- Paul Hindemith (1895-1963) – from: ‘Das Marienleben’ (New version 1948) (text: Rainer Maria Rilke) – a. Vor der Passion; b. Pietà; c. Stillung Mariä mit dem Auferstandenen; d. Vom Tode Mariä I; e. Vom Tode Mariä II; f. Vom Tode Mariä III. Soprano Soile Isokoski and pianist Marita Viitasalo.
- Ralph Vaughan Williams – ‘Five Mystical Songs’ (George Herbert) a. ‘Easter’; b. ‘I got me flowers’; c. ‘Love bade me welcome’; d. ‘The Call’; e. ‘Antiphon’. Baritone Henry Herford; Guildford Choral Society; Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Hilary Davan Wetton.
- Gustav Mahler – from: ‘Des Knaben Wunderhorn’ – ‘Urlicht’. Mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter; Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Claudio Abbado.
- Bob Dylan – ‘When he returns’.
‘When He Returns’ is a gospel song written and performed by American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, released as the ninth and final track on his 1979 album Slow Train Coming. The title and content of the song explicitly refer to the return of Jesus.
