The stately yet florid tune Easter Hymn is usually reserved for the most triumphant day of the Christian calendar. That’s a shame because it’s one of my favorite hymns.

This setting for organ is an arrangement of my piano solo version from 2021, found here. It is also inspired by one of my favorite organ pieces by John Rutter, called “Toccata in Seven.”

The time signature 7/8 carries a zestful drive because every measure is “missing” that final beat. It feels like there’s never time to rest!

Because I imagine this piece being played before or after a service, it’s dynamic and action-packed, powering full speed ahead towards the “mission impossible” ending. It wasn’t until after I finished the piece that I recognized that the final measures are similar to that movie soundtrack theme, also written in an irregular or asymmetrical time.

The registrations for the three piston settings are included. It marks the stops I used on the Allen Renaissance Quantum organ. Marks in bold are the new stops added for each setting.

Tip: I recommend setting out all five pages to avoid page turns.