Music For Easter – 8 Favorites To Download

Looking for some good music for Easter? Well, look no further! You’ve come to the right place. This post is packed full with some of my personal favorites. In addition to pieces I’ve highlighted in previous blog posts, I’m pleased to spotlight the newest Easter release by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (‘Mormon‘) joins with the rest of the Christian world this month in celebrating Easter and remembering the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Like all Christians, the two most important holidays of our year are Christmas and Easter.

“There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter. The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection.”

– President Gordon B. Hinckley, Christmas Message – Dec. 2000

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HE IS RISEN

MORMON TABERNACLE CHOIR – New for 2014 !

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square present on this CD a selection of musical works centered on the miraculous events recounted and commemorated in the Easter story.

These songs offer a wide variety of musical styles, from different eras.

All songs can be downloaded easily online as a group, or individually.

Go to this direct link at mormontabernaclechoir.org for all your options.

“HE IS RISEN” ALBUM PLAYLIST

1. Christ the Lord Is Risen Today – arranged by Mack Wilberg

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2. In The Garden – new arrangement by Ryan Murphy

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3. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Music by Lowell Mason, Lyrics by Isaac Watts, Arrangement by Gilbert M. Martin/Mark Hoffmaster (orchestration)

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4. Jesus Has Risen – arranged by Ryan Murphy

This sweet children’s song was written by Thelma Johnson Ryser (1898-1984) and has been a Primary favorite for many years. Associate Director Ryan Murphy has created a stunning arrangement and orchestration specifically for the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra. There are no video performances to share currently, however this track is one of my personal favorites on the album. I highly recommend adding it to your collection! Download here

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5. He Is Risen – arranged by Mack Wilberg

Music by Joachim Neander, (1650-1680) Text by Cecil Frances Alexander(1818-1895), arranged by Mack Wilberg for Choir & Orchestra

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6. Worthy Is the Lamb That Was Slain  – from Messiah by Handel

A powerhouse masterwork, sung by a powerhouse Choir.

It just doesn’t get any better than this, folks! You’ve gotta have it!

Download this CD today at mormontabernaclechoir.org

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THE MIRACLE – Shawna Edwards

Composer Shawna Edwards has been featured many times here at Mormon Soprano. We love her beautiful, haunting melodies and tender lyrics. In 2013 she released “The Miracle” specifically for Easter. The recording is arranged and directed by Masa Fukuda, and features the One Voice Children’s Choir.

Edwards has many other songs available focusing on the life and divine mission of Jesus Christ. All would be suitable for Easter. Her website offers MP3 downloads as well as sheet music, and more. You can also now order a CD of her songs, entitled “Come Unto Christ”.

Download Today at ShawnaEdwards.com

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GETHSEMANE – Roger & Melanie Hoffman

In 2009 I stumbled across a recording of the tender song “Gethsemane” written by Roger & Melanie Hoffman and featured on their Stories of Jesus album. I was deeply moved and wanted to share it with the world so I posted a little video on my YouTube channel. The world has certainly listened, and loved it! (172K views and counting)

The beautiful singing on this recording is by Hannah Ford (age 9).

MESSAGE FROM THE MUSICIAN

Writing about the life of the Savior for children was an incredible experience for me. As the project began to take shape I was concerned about how to deal with the end of His life; the suffering in Gethsemane and Calvary. One day we were up in the mountains writing (my favorite place to write!) and as we were driving home the words came into my mind, “Gethsemane, Jesus loves me.” – so simple and powerful. I realized that, of all the songs I was writing, this was the most important! Children could and needed to understand that Jesus suffered for them because He loves them.

It was His gift of love that began in Gethsemane, continued on Calvary and gloriously culminated at the empty tomb.

The rest of the song came quickly. It was a gift, as was the whole experience of writing “Stories of Jesus,” and I will always be grateful for the privilege of receiving it.

– Melanie Hoffman

Download this song and so many more at HoffmanHouse.com

UPDATE – FOR EASTER 2016! DON’T MISS THE NEW PICTURE BOOK – Gethsemane: Jesus Loves Me – includes the sheet music and a CD with 4 songs

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I’m grateful that there are beautiful songs available to help us celebrate this beautiful season.

Easter commemorates the most important event for all humanity. Easter holds the promise of life everlasting; free of sin, pain and death! Easter means, quite literally, that thanks to Jesus your life and my life has a purpose – and everything is going to be OK. 

We might not be able to comprehend the splendor of Jesus’ life, the pain of his death, or the scope of his gift to humankind. However, we may come to declare as the centurion at the foot of his cross;

“Truly this man was the Son of God” (Mark 15 : 39).

I believe in Him, and I love Him!

Happy Easter – MoSop