Easter (Five Mystical Songs)

Vaughan Williams, Ralph (1872–1958)

Voicing:
Mixed Choir → SATB

Accompaniment:
Organ
Orchestra

Occasion:

Proper of Time → The Sacred Paschal Triduum → Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord → At the Mass during the Day
Proper of Time → Easter Season → General Easter Season

Publication Information:
Galaxy Music / ECS Publishing
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Mystical_Songs
Stainer & Bell — Chorus part

Lyrics:

Easter – from George Herbert's Easter

Rise heart; thy Lord is risen.
Sing his praise without delayes,
Who takes thee by the hand,
that thou likewise with him may'st rise;
That, as his death calcined thee to dust,
His life may make thee gold, and much more, just.

Awake, my lute, and struggle for thy part with all thy art.
The crosse taught all wood to resound his name, who bore the same.
His stretched sinews taught all strings, what key
Is the best to celebrate this most high day.

Consort both heart and lute, and twist a song pleasant and long;
Or since all musick is but three parts vied and multiplied.
O let thy blessed Spirit bear a part,
And make up our defects with his sweet art.

Notes: Baritone solo, SATB Choir, organ or orchestra
Submitted by: Anthony DiCello Added: Apr 6, 2026 Last updated: Apr 6, 2026