First performed: 15 July 2000

A setting of the resurrection story with libretto by Tom Wright, then Dean of Lichfield Cathedral. Easter Oratorio begins where the Passions end, with Christ's body in the tomb and is divided into two parts. Part One: The New Day, and Part Two: The New Calling. It is based on the ground plan of one of Bach's Passion, with a mixture of choruses, recitatives, arias, chorales and hymns.

The forces involved are SATB choir, boys' choir, four soloists, (Soprano (Mary and arias). Tenor (Evangelist), Tenor (Thomas, Simon Peter and arias), Bass (Jesus and arias), orchestra, and the whole audience who sing some of the well-known Easter hymns at key points.

From the composer:

“I have tried to write the work so that it is accessible to good choral societies. Any composer, particularly after such a herculean labour, wants to see such a work take on a life of its own, and I hope that it will prove useful and attractive to choirs who might be seeking an alternative to the Bach repertoire to be performed around that time of year.”

Read the The Independent's review of this work by Paul Spicer.

Find more information about Paul Spicer on his website.