SONNE DER GERECHTIGKEIT
SONNE DER GERECHTIGKEIT was originally the tune to a fifteenth-century folk song, “Der reich Mann war geritten aus,” and it was adopted by the Bohemian Brethren for 452 LORD’S SUPPER their 1566 hymnal, Kirchengeseng. The tune is thus a contrafactum, changed from folk/court use to church use. The title is the German incipit for the chorale most commonly associated with the tune. SONNE DER GERECHTIGKEIT is a bright tune characterized by a rising initial motif and forceful rhythms. Sing it in unison to a full organ registration and at a good tempo. Use brass and timpani for very festive singing. Liturgical Use: As a dismissal hymn after the Lord’s Supper; also very useful at an Easter Lord’s Supper service or at the end of the Easter Vigil, after communion. Since every Sunday is a “little Easter,” sing it anytime as a post-communion hymn, but not during Lent or Holy Week.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From Christ's healing advent dispelling sin's darkness, through his eternal radiance as the Father's brightness, to his present illumination of darkened souls, culminating in eschatological hope of final redemption