In most churches, the music of Easter is only comparable to that of Christmas. The celebrations of Easter and the Lenten season have provided inspiration for musicians for centuries leading to the creation of famous works such as Bach’s St. Matthew Passion and Handel’s Messiah. However, many commonplace tunes and hymns were also a result of this season. 

Works such as Bach’s St. Matthew and St. John’s passions contain text rooted in the Bible. The Gospels of John, Matthew, Mark, and Luke all recount the Passion, which refers to the days leading up to Christ’s death and resurrection. Sadly, two of Bach’s four passions have been lost to time. Another notable work of the Easter season is Handel’s Messiah. First performed in April 1742, this piece was written to be performed during Easter. However, it has become an oratorio commonly associated with Christmas. The piece is not solely based on the death of Christ (in contrast to the Passion) and contains text telling Christ’s birth, life, death and resurrection. 

Many other Easter compositions are less famous, however, just as notable. Miserere mei is an example of one of these works. Miserere mei, from the Old Testament, is adapted from the Latin text of Psalm 51 and begs God for forgiveness. One of the most famous settings of this text is Gregorio Allegri’s Miserere. This particular piece was composed for Holy week in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel in the early 17th century. At the time, the Pope did not allow the piece to be written down for fear that its beauty would leave Rome. It was not until Mozart heard the piece and wrote it from memory that it was unveiled to the rest of the world. Another popular Easter tune is Stabat Mater, a 13th century hymn that tells the story of Mary’s grief at her son’s crucifixion. The meditation on Christ’s suffering makes it a popular Easter tune and oftentimes Giovanni Battista Pergolesi’s setting of the hymn will be sung. Pergolesi’s work is written for soprano, alto, strings, and basso continuo and was composed in his later years. The music of Easter is sometimes overshadowed by the other Christian holidays. However, it deserves much of the credit for many beautiful pieces that we know well today.