Composer: Ellen Koehler
Arrangement Samples - Click pdf link(s) below to view
Sheet Music Category:
Available Arrangements:
- Hymn
- Lead Sheet
That Eastertide With Joy Was Bright
That Eastertide with joy was bright,
The sun shone out with fairer light,
When, to their longing eyes restored,
The glad apostles saw their Lord.
He bade them see His hands, His side,
Where yet the glorious wounds abide;
The tokens true which made it plain
Their Lord indeed was risen again.
Jesus, the King of gentleness,
Do Thou Thyself our hearts possess
That we may give Thee all our days
The tribute of our grateful praise.
All praise be Thine, O risen Lord,
From death to endless life restored;
All praise to God the Father be
And Holy Ghost eternally.
Setting: Ellen Koehler. Copyright ©2013 Ellen Koehler.
All Rights Reserved.
Words: Unknown author, 5th century (Aurora lucis rutilat);
trans. by John M. Neale in Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1861.
Hymn tune: PUER NOBIS NASCITUR, 15th century.
Commentary -
That Eastertide With Joy Was Bright is a wonderful, joyous hymn for use throughout the season of Easter, but especially the second week of Easter (the week after Resurrection Sunday) when the lectionary includes the account in John 20 which the lyrics of the second verse reflect. The text is ancient: many scholars believe Ambrose was the writer, which would date it in the fourth century. The hymn tune dates back at least to the fifteenth century, but likely had its origins in an earlier folk tune. This setting is just a bit quicker than some renderings, and gives the hymn a somewhat lighter feel than it is often given – think dance-like, reflecting the tune’s origins, and joyful. Verse 3, a prayer of dedication, has a softer setting (both dynamically and harmonically). The fourth verse, a doxology of praise and victory, is broader in feel and returns to the original harmonic rhythm. As an opening hymn, it sets a tone of joy and wonder for the worship service. As a closing hymn, it send the worshipers forth into the world in confidence, joy and praise.
During the season of Easter, That Eastertide With Joy Was Bright is offered at no charge.
Category: Hymn Settings
Seasons: Easter
Keys: C (verses 1-3), D (verse 4)
That Eastertide With Joy Was Bright is available as a lead sheet.
Copyright ©2017 Ellen Koehler. All Rights Reserved.
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