Rise Up!

Composer Victor Johnson and lyricist Pamela Stewart combine talents to bring us this winning anthem for Easter. The opening verse sets the stage for the Resurrection moment, with music that features a suspenseful melody full of rich chromaticism. At last, the music moves into a bright, major-key refrain as the choir sings, “Rise up singing, Christ is risen.” The vocal parts are carefully prepared and quickly learned, and an optional part for B-flat trumpet (included in the octavo) adds the perfect energy.