Blessed Are the Dead

This breathtaking anthem for two-part choir, piano, and horn makes the perfect piece for All Saints’ Day or funerals. The sonorous horn as well as stunning quartal and quintal harmonies set a dreamlike stage, a beautiful job of appreciating the salvation that we have through faith. Machemer incorporates the beloved tune SINE NOMINE in an extremely moving way as well. The two-voice texture in the choral part makes this beautiful work accessible for choirs of varying levels. While intended for use with a mixed two-part choir, this piece is easily adapted for equal two-part voicing.

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth.
Do not rejoice that the spirits are subject to them, but rejoice that their names are written in heaven.
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth.
They have fought the good fight, they have finished the race, they have fought the good fight, they have kept the faith. There is laid up for them the crown of righteousness, which the Lord will award them on that day.
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth.
Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master.
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth.

Revelation 14:13; Luke 10:20; 2 Timothy 4:7–8a; Matthew 25:21 adapt.