Lutheran Chorales: Christ lag in Todesbanden

Let's talk about (Christian) hymn singing as seen through the history of "Christ lag in Todesbanden"! Chant wasn't the only basis for sacred musical composition - the Lutheran chorales (some of which were based on chant) inspired both vocal and instrumental works as well as uniting congregations for many centuries!

Offertory, Victoria's Requiem

Victoria's 6-voice setting of the requiem is one of the best (with Mozart, Brahms, Fauré, Duruflé, and Howells), and the Offertory movement is my favorite (beginning at 14:41). If you haven't heard the whole work, make sure to listen to the rest of this wonderful recording!

Great King of Gods

Back in February I mentioned Gibbons' fantastic verse anthem "Great Lord of Lords" and talked about contrafacta - here's the example! This is the same anthem, played by viols rather than an organ, but with a different text.