Christ Rising Again - John Sheppard (1551 - 1563)

A little about this piece

John Sheppard was a prolific composer of the Tudor era, much of whose work has been lost. His music was composed under both Protestant and Catholic sovereigns of England. Sheppard died in December 1558 during an influenza epidemic. He made his will on 1 December and was buried at St Margaret's Church, Westminster on 21 December. The text reminds us of the hope of eternity that we celebrate at Easter:

Christ, Christ rising from the dead now dieth not;
death from henceforth hath no power upon him.
For in that he died, he died but once to put away sin,
but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
And so likewise count yourselves dead unto sin,
but living unto God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Alleluia!

Christ is risen again, the firstfruits of them that sleep.
For seeing that by man came death,
By man also cometh the resurrection of the dead.
For as by Adam all men do die,
So by Christ all men shall be restored to life. Alleluia!

This Easter anthem was performed by Sanford Dole singing each of the four parts.

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