Suggested tune: CHRIST IST ERSTANDEN
=========================
Christ ist erstanden, Von der Marter alle. [Easter.] One of the earliest of German hymns, this is found in various forms as early as the 12th century, and four of these are given by Wackernagel, ii. pp. 43-44. It was sometimes used alone, sometimes as part of the liturgical services at Easter, as at the lighting of the lamps, and sometimes woven into the early Passion plays (compare its use by Goethe in Faust, pt. i.). Wackernagel, ii. pp. 726-732, gives also seventeen versions from the 15th century. The versions vary in length from 5 lines to 11 stanzas of 4 lines. (Cf. Hoffmann von Fallersleben's Geschichte des Deutschen Kirchenliedes, Hannover, 1861, pp. 63, 178, 181, 187, 202, &c.) Two have been translated into English.
1. Wackernagel, ii., No. 935, in 3 stanzas, from the Geistliche Lieder, Erfurt, 1531 (previously in Klug's Gesang-Buch, Wittenberg, 1529), and thence in V. Babst's Gesang-Buch 1545, and most succeeding hymn-books, and recently as No. 126 in the Unverfälschter Liedersegen, 1851. This form Luther held in such esteem that of it he said, "After a time one tires of singing all other hymns, but the ‘Christ ist erstanden' one can always sing again." The only translation in common use is:—
Now is Christ risen, by A. T, Russell, in his Psalms & Hymns, 1851, Appendix, No. 2.
Other translations are:—
(1) "Christ is now rysen agayne," by Bp. Coverdale, 1539 (Remains, 1846, p. 563). (2) "The Lord is risen, and gone before," by Miss Fry, 1845, p. 70.
ii. Wackernagel, ii., No. 39, from a Munich manuscript of the 15th century. In 9 lines. Translated as:—
"Christ the Lord is risen, Out of," by Miss Winkworth, 1869, p. 37. [Rev James Mearns, M.A.]
--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)
Luther, Martin, born at Eisleben, Nov. 10, 1483; entered the University of Erfurt, 1501 (B.A. 1502, M.A.. 1503); became an Augustinian monk, 1505; ordained priest, 1507; appointed Professor at the University of Wittenberg, 1508, and in 1512 D.D.; published his 95 Theses, 1517; and burnt the Papal Bull which had condemned them, 1520; attended the Diet of Worms, 1521; translated the Bible into German, 1521-34; and died at Eisleben, Feb. 18, 1546. The details of his life and of his work as a reformer are accessible to English readers in a great variety of forms. Luther had a huge influence on German hymnody.
i. Hymn Books.
1. Ellich cristlich lider Lobgesang un Psalm. Wittenberg, 1524. [Hamburg Library.] This contains 8 German h… Go to person page >
My Starred Hymns
My FlexScores
My Hymnals
My Purchased Files