Christ lag in Todesbanden - Eccard | National Lutheran Choir

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Christ lag in Todesbanden
Johannes Eccard (1553-1611)
Recorded live, March 2017 Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis

The youthful Johannes Eccard sang and studied with the masterful Orlando di Lasso in Munich, then spent his later career at aristocratic court chapels in Königsberg and Berlin, where he died. This work is taken from his Geistliche Lieder of 1597 that set the path toward later hymn settings. It has been said of this music that “Bach’s chorales are unthinkable without it.” “Christ lag in Todenbanden” was one of Luther’s most enduring hymns and was actually based on medieval hymns dating back to the 11th century. In this work we hear the melody clearly stated in the upper voice. The hymn tune employs a “bar form,” implying a repeat of the first phrases. Eccard actually doubles all this again to extend the first part of the music. Throughout this hymn setting Eccard accompanies the melody with free, independent movement of the lower voices even into the final joyful “Alleluia’s.”

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Text:
Christ lag in Todesbanden,
für unsre Sünd gegeben,
der ist wieder erstanden
und hat uns bracht des Leben.
Des wir sollen frölich sein,
Gott loben und dankbar sein
und singen: Halleluja!
Halleluja!

Christ Jesus lay in death's strong bands
for our offenses given;
but now at God's right hand he stands
and brings us life from heaven.
Therefore let us joyful be
and sing to God right thankfully
loud songs of Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!