CHRIST LAG IN TODESBANDEN

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: Christ's sacrificial death for human sin → cosmic victory over Death → grateful response and eucharistic celebration → resurrection joy

Associated Hymn Texts (1)

Christ Jesus lay in Death's Strong Bands

Bach Cantatas Using This Tune (1)

BWV 4 — Christ lag in Todesbanden ("Christ lay in death's bonds") (1724)

Easter Sunday

SATB soloists, chorus, brass, strings

One of Bach's earliest surviving cantatas. Pure chorale cantata on Luther's Easter hymn. Remarkable in using no original text whatsoever.

Set to This Tune in The Lutheran Hymnal (1)

TLH 195 Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands

Notes on the Tune

From Hymn Desk's analyses of the hymns sung to it.

TLH 195, Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands : CHRIST LAG IN TODESBANDEN — Dorian-mode melody adapted from 'Christ ist erstanden'; strong and solemn rather than bright.