Four Easter Anthems

- Colin Brumby

PDF Sample

Use: Eastertide
Required Resources: SATB choir
Optional Resources: Organ
Language: English, Latin

Colin Brumby, in his concise and wonderfully careful writing style, has given us four anthems to be sung during Eastertide. The first three are not tied to any particular Sunday (Divine Mercy, Good Shepherd, etc), although the fourth is a paraphrase of Psalm 47, often associated with the Ascension.

All the anthems are formatted on two-staff choral systems (as in piano music); they can certainly be sung a cappella, or the organist can easily read the parts and accompany the choir.

1. The Day of Resurrection uses the familiar text attributed to Saint John Damascene, with translation by J.M. Neale. Three verses are set; verse 2 switches the soprano and tenor parts, putting the melody in the tenor line. Key is F Major; ranges are very easy.
2. This Is the Day sets five verses of the text by Isaac Watts. The rhythmic pattern of the melody (quarter notes alternating with paris of eighth notes) is echoed in the other voice parts. A sturdy chorale-style is eveident; key of D Major with comfortable ranges.
3. Tu Christe, nostrum gaudium is a jaunty, Renaissance-style tune, with a 5th century Latin text. This third anthem is immediately followed by an English setting; same music, text translation by John Mason Neale. The key is d minor; the ranges are quite easy.
4. O All Ye People is an anonymous paraphrase of Psalm 47: "O all ye people clap your hands …" Two verses are set, the second starting, "God is gone up…" Set in the key of G Major, the vocal pitches are well within everyone's range.

Dr. Bumby's music is extremely practical - from the voice leading, to the ranges, to the singable texts, he always writes with the average parish choir in mind. And beautifully, at that!