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

Around the same time that I thought of “finding a wrinkle” for this tune, I became interested in the challenge to arrange something in 7/8 time. 

This shift in timing was initially sparked by my friend Samantha Coates adorable Labradoodle named “Nobby" who drinks from his water bowl in 7/8 time! You can learn more about Nobby’s story here.

My setting is also indirectly inspired by one of my favorite organ pieces by John Rutter called “Toccata in Seven.”

The time signature of 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 had 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. 

He is risen! He is risen indeed!

FYI: Many ask about the system I use to turn pages on my iPad. I’ve used the Air Ped Bluetooth pedal for years and it “wimped out” on me during a recording session. So, I just purchased the Page Flip Firefly and I’m pleased at how easy it was to pair with my iPad and it works seamlessly with ForScore, the app I use to store and view scores.