CHRIST IST ERSTANDEN is derived from the twelfth-century chant melody for "Victimae Paschali laudes" (which also produced CHRIST LAG IN TODESBANDEN, 398). The tune was first published in Joseph Klug's (PHH 126) Geistliche Lieder (1533).

This ancient tune, originally in Dorian mode, consists of several melodic units that are repeated and varied. Dale Grotenhuis (PHH 4) wrote the harmonization in 1984. Sing stanzas 14 in unison with light accompaniment, but sing the "alleluia" at the end of each stanza in harmony. Use full accompaniment on the final refrain. Try also to sing some of the "alleluias" unaccompanied and/or incorporate the use of antiphonal groups.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook