Doctrinal Content
Christ, the Paschal Lamb, has conquered death and has opened the gates of heaven for
all of us.
Origin of Text
from Easter Sequence / Michael Weisse 1531
tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1858
Origin of Melody
Christ ist erstanden, c. 1100, Dorian mode
Musical Analysis
Dorian mode (often written in d minor)
Time Signature – 4/4
Note values – quarter, half, dotted half
Intervals – ascending and descending minor 3rd, ascending and descending 4th, ascending and
descending Major 3rd, ascending 5th.
Teaching Recommendations
This hymn is considered the oldest vernacular hymn in existence, as such you will notice it is
in a mode, not a Major or minor key, and the meter, although often written in 4/4, appears more free, like plainchant. The rhymes in this hymn will assist the children in committing the text to memory.
Copyright
Melody – Public Domain
Text – Public Domain
Location
hymnary.org
https://hymnary.org/tune/christ_ist_erstanden_54571
