Composer

:

Dietrich Buxtehude

Genre

:

Vocal

Average_duration

:

5:51

Dietrich Buxtehude's 'Surrexit Christus hodie, BuxWV 99' is a sacred vocal work composed for Easter Sunday. The piece was likely composed during Buxtehude's tenure as the organist at the Marienkirche in Lübeck, Germany, where he worked from 1668 until his death in 1707. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different biblical text. The first movement is a setting of the Latin text "Surrexit Christus hodie" (Christ is risen today), which is taken from the Easter hymn "Victimae Paschali Laudes." The second movement sets the text "Et iterum venturus est" (And he shall come again), which is taken from the Nicene Creed. The final movement sets the text "Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia," which is a traditional Easter acclamation. The first movement of 'Surrexit Christus hodie' is characterized by its joyful, celebratory tone. Buxtehude employs a variety of musical techniques to convey this sense of exultation, including lively rhythms, bright harmonies, and soaring melodic lines. The second movement, by contrast, is more contemplative in nature. Buxtehude uses a slower tempo and more subdued harmonies to create a sense of anticipation and reverence. The final movement returns to the joyful mood of the first, with lively rhythms and exuberant vocal lines. Overall, 'Surrexit Christus hodie' is a masterful example of Buxtehude's skill as a composer of sacred music. The work showcases his ability to create music that is both technically complex and emotionally powerful, and it remains a beloved piece in the repertoire of Easter music to this day.

More....