The Earth Is Risen

The text for this anthem is based on the poem Lo, the Earth is Risen Again by Samuel Longfellow (1819-1892). The lyrics announce the return of Spring and the celebration 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 with the rhythmic underpinning based on the energy of renewed life. 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.