The Master's Rejoicing

Use: Easter
Required Resources: SATB choir, organ
Language: English

The Master's Rejoicing is a setting of portions of an Easter Sermon attributed to Hippolytus, who was a 3rd century priest, martyr, and possibly a disciple of Saint Irenæus. The piece is perfect for Easter Sunday, and will work well throughout the Easter season. The great variety of meters (4/4, 6/8, 10/8, 5/4, 7/8, 3/4 and 2/4) are so skillfully arranged as to be rhythmically vibrant but never difficult for the singers.

The composer notes, "It's quite rhythmic, with a liberal dollop of added-note harmonies." An effective organ part accompanies the text:

Join, then!
Join, then, all of you; join in the Master's rejoicing.
Rich men and poor men, sing and dance together.
You that are hard on yourselves, you that are easy, honor this day.
You that have fasted and you that have not, make merry today.

Joy to all creatures, honor, feasting, and delight.
Dark death is destroyed, and life is restored everywhere.
The gates of heaven are open.
God has shown himself man.
The gates of hell God has shattered, the bars of Adam's prison broken.
From the earth has come singing and dancing.

Join, then!
Join, then, all of you; join in the Master's rejoicing.
Christ is risen: the world below is in ruins.
Christ is risen: the spirits of evil are fallen.
Christ is risen: the angels of God are rejoicing.

Glory and pow'r are his for ever and ever. Amen.

James Stanley is Choirmaster and Cantor at the Church of the Angels (Episcopal) in Pasadena, California.