10 Best Easter Classical Music Pieces

Check out our top 10 picks for the best classical music pieces to listen to this Easter season. From Bach to Beethoven, these pieces are sure to get you in the holiday spirit!

Introduction

Easter is a religious holiday celebrated by Christians all over the world. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is considered one of the most important days in the Christian calendar.

Classical music has always had a strong association with religion, and Easter is no exception. Over the centuries, many classical composers have written pieces specifically for Easter, or have adapted existing pieces to fit the occasion.

In this article, we list ten of the best Easter classical music pieces, ranging from Bach’s ‘St Matthew Passion’ to Handel’s ‘Messiah’.

“Easter Hymn” by John Stainer

“Easter Hymn” is a musical setting of a poem by the English clergyman William Chatterton Dix. The music was composed by John Stainer, who also wrote the words to the hymn “The Cross of Jesus”. The piece was first published in 1871 and quickly became popular, particularly in the United Kingdom and United States. It remains a staple of Easter hymnals to this day.

The music is written in 6/8 time and is set in D major. The first two stanzas are sung by the soloist or choir, with the remaining stanzas being sung by the congregation. The hymn is often performed with brass and percussion accompaniment.

“Alleluia” by Randall Thompson

Randall Thompson’s “Alleluia” is a setting of the Alleluia verse from the Gospel of Luke for unaccompanied SATB choir. It was composed in 1940 while the composer was serving as Director of Music at the Church of St. John the Evangelist in Boston, Massachusetts.

The work is in three sections, each of which begins with an Solo soprano (or tenor) singing the Alleluia melody. The first section is a fugue on this melody, the second is a more free setting of the melody, and the third is a return to the fugal treatment. The piece ends with a brief coda based on Thompson’s own original Alleluia melody.

“Alleluia” was first performed by the Church of St. John the Evangelist Choir on Easter Sunday, 1941. It has since become one of the most popular pieces in the choral repertoire and has been recorded numerous times.

“Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” by Charles Wesley

“Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” is a classic Easter hymn that has been beloved by Christians for centuries. The hymn was written by Charles Wesley, one of the founders of the Methodist movement, and it was first published in 1739. “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” is a joyful celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and it is one of the most popular Easter hymns in both Protestant and Catholic churches.

The melody for “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” is based on a 13th century plainsong Easter chant, and the hymn has been set to music by many different composers over the years. One of the most popular settings is by John Stainer, which was first published in 1887. “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” is usually sung in unison, although four-part harmony settings are also common.

This Easter hymn is a great choice for church services, Easter egg hunts, or any other springtime celebration. It is sure to fill your heart with joy as you celebrate the risen Savior!

“Praise the Lord! Ye Heavens Adore Him” by Johann Crüger

“Praise the Lord! Ye Heavens Adore Him” is a hymn with lyrics written by Johann Crüger and a melody adapted from a German folk song. It was first published in Crüger’s hymnal Geistliche Kirchengesäng (1649). The hymn has been translated into English, Spanish, French, and other languages. It is often sung during Easter season.

“Hallelujah” by George Friedrich Händel

One of the most popular pieces of Easter classical music is “Hallelujah” by George Friedrich Händel. This piece is often performed by professional orchestras and choirs during Easter time.

“He Is Risen” by John Dykes

1. “He Is Risen” by John Dykes
2. “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” by Charles Wesley
3. “Hallelujah” chorus from Messiah by George Frideric Handel
4. ” Easter Hymn” by Sir John Stainer
5. “Alleluia” from Exsultate, jubilate by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
6. “Thine Be the Glory” by Georg Friedrich Handel
7. “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today”
8. “Easter Parade” by Irving Berlin
9.”Sanctus” from Requiem by Giuseppe Verdi
10.”Laudate Dominum” from Vesperae solennes de confessore by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

“Easter” by John Stainer

“Easter” is a cantata by John Stainer, first performed in 1880. It is based on a poem by Robert Bridges, who also wrote the words for “The Kingdom” and “Ode to Duty”. The music is characterized by its soaring melodies, rich harmonies, and emotional power. The work has been likened to a mini-oratorio, and it is one of the most popular pieces of choral music ever written.

“The First Noel” by Traditional

“The First Noel” is a traditional English Christmas carol, most likely of Cornish origin. The first known version of the carol was printed in 1833, though it is possible that it is much older. It is uncertain whether the word “Noel” comes from the French word for Christmas (“Noël”), or if it is derived from the Latin word natalis, meaning “birth”.

The carol tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ, and how the shepherds came to see him after being told of his birth by an angel. The carol has been performed by many artists over the years, including Burl Ives, Jose Carreras, and Charlotte Church.

“Joy to the World” by Isaac Watts

One of the most popular carols of all time, “Joy to the World” was originally penned by English hymnwriter Isaac Watts in 1719. The lyrics are based on Psalm 98, which calls all the world to sing for joy because God has triumphed and His salvation and righteousness have been revealed. The text was set to music by Lowell Mason in 1836, and the carol has been a staple of Christmas celebrations ever since.