"Christ ist erstanden" is a German Easter hymn, and is possibly the oldest Christian liturgical German song. It has inspired the music of numerous composers, such as Ludwig Senfl and Heinrich Schütz, as well as modern composers such as Oskar Gottlieb Blarr and Enjott Schneider, and has appeared in 45 hymnals, including the current German Catholic and Protestant hymnals. Translations and paraphrases include a version by Catherine Winkworth which has appeared in 231 hymnals. "Christ ist erstanden" also inspired Martin Luther to write "Christ lag in Todes Banden", deriving the melody from it.
Apel Codex, manuscript from c. 1500
"Christ ist erstanden" within "Victimae paschali laudes"
"Christ ist erstanden" as the first song for Easter, No. 59, in Kirchenlied (1938), edited by Alfred Riedel
Comparison of the melodies of Victimae Paschali Laudes, "Christ ist erstanden" and "Christ lag in Todesbanden"
Christ lag in Todesbanden
"Christ lag in Todesbanden" is an Easter hymn by Martin Luther. Its melody is by Luther and Johann Walter. Both the text and the melody were based on earlier examples. It was published in 1524 in the Erfurt Enchiridion and in Walter's choral hymnal Eyn geystlich Gesangk Buchleyn. Various composers, including Pachelbel, Bach and Telemann, have used the hymn in their compositions.
"Christ lag ynn todes bande" in Eyn geystlich Gesangk Buchleyn of 1524
Comparison of Victimae paschali laudes, "Christ ist erstanden" and "Christ lag in Todesbanden"
Image: Enchiridion geistlicher Gesänge 32
Image: Enchiridion geistlicher Gesänge 33
