May 30, 2011

  • Hymn 31A Christ has risen! Halluliah!

    BACKGROUND

    In the time of the Reformation and restoration of the church this hymn was written by Johann Schop (1641). When composed this tune was progressive, because some of the Lutheran church leaders found his tunes being too joyful, regarding the rhythm and notes. Nevertheless, the hymn text writer Johann Rist boasts in 1652 that his text are sung on Schop's tunes throughout Germany. Apparently the church people liked these tunes. The infuence of the 18th and 19th centuries has changed this tune into an isometric melody, in a minor key, usually sung slowly. The inspiring original tune was hidden, until the 20th century, when rediscovery of this gem resulted in inclusion in many hymnals.

    SINGING AND ACCOMPANIMENT

    Hymn 31a is written for a jubilant text. Please pay attention to the beat: it goes 1-2-3, 1-2-3... We have almost the whole time a long note, short note, a long note, short note etc. The composer had in 1641 not any idea of our rhythmic music - rather he used this rhythm as a "musical picture" of joy and celebration. This tune should be sung upbeat and in a faster tempo (once we know the melody).

    Two or three things to watch out for:

    - The first and third line start with a rest. Because we need this first beat, the organ/piano will "play the rest". If you keep the beat going in your head, the third line should not be a problem.
    - The line before the last one ends with a note that is very easy to sing - that is: as long as you don't know hymn 31b! We need to reshape our ears with some practice.

    The pitch was not a=440hz when this tune was composed, and it would be very acceptable to accompany this hymn in a lower key than in the hymnals.

    SHEET MUSIC

    Link (regular key)

    Link (lower key)

    PRACTISE EXAMPLE

     bookofpraise.ca