He is Risen

“He is Risen” is an upbeat piece about the beauty of Christ’s resurrection. Through His resurrection is forgiveness. This forgiveness is through His grace and love. Unconditional and undeserved forgiveness is life-giving. Not only does Christ live but those who receive His gift of forgiveness “live because He lives.”
Musically, the time signature aids in the deliverance of the text. The rhythm allows for blocked chords and flowing sixteenth working together to move the music forward. The free flow of forgiveness is pictured in the flowing textures. The foundational and faithful love of God in His forgiveness is pictured in the low octaves and blocked chords. Dynamically, the piece remains louder, shouting praises for the gift of forgiveness. The repetition of melodic segments in the melody line allow for the piece to be learned quickly for congregational use. And the doubling of the melody in the piano chords allow for a foundation in the melody learning.