As far as the Christian Church is concerned, Easter is the biggest event ever. I have seen the festival of the resurrection from many perspectives and whether you celebrate with huge choirs and the Hallelujah Chorus by Handel, a festive folk ensemble, telling it on the mountain, or other modern expressions, this is the big day. And since this program is heard starting on Good Friday, or on Holy Saturday, or on Easter day, the message is one of hope. The lesson to be learned is that death isn’t the end. It’s an amazing story.

Here at the gathering place for people who love band music, whether we’re believers or not, we’ve probably performed music for Easter... it’s one of my earliest memories of performing in church. We are part of the presentation and in this episode of Wind and Rhythm we’ll share some of the music we contributed to the festival.

Le Chant De La Resurrection: Charles Koechlin

      Denver Brass, Lowell Graham

Lamb of God: David R Gillingham

      North Texas Symphonic Band, Dennis Fisher

O Magnum Mysterium:  Morten Lauridsen

      Ohio State University Wind Symphony, Russel C. Mikkelson

Lauds: Ron Nelson

      UNLV Wind Orchestra, Thomas Leslie

Allelujah! Laudamus Te: Alfred Reed

      Dallas Wind Symphony, Frederick Fennell

Liturgical Dances: David R. Holsinger

      University Of Illinois Symphonic Band, James Keene

Laudate Dominum & Hymn: Claudio Monteverdi

      Canadian Brass

Easter Monday On The White House Lawn: John Philip Sousa

      Oklahoma State University Wind Ensemble, Joseph P. Missal