Lasst uns erfreuen

rdf:langString Lasst uns erfreuen

rdf:langString "Lasst uns erfreuen"

rdf:langString Oldest existing copy, 1625

rdf:langString centerOriginal 1623 placement of the "Alleluia" phrases

rdf:langString de

rdf:langString Cologne, 1623

rdf:langString Let us rejoice

rdf:langString German hymn tune

rdf:langString "Lasst uns erfreuen herzlich sehr" (Let us rejoice most heartily) is a hymn tune that originated from Germany in 1623, and which found widespread popularity after The English Hymnal published a 1906 version in strong triple meter with new lyrics. The triumphant melody and repeated "Alleluia" phrases have supported the tune's widespread usage during the Easter season and other festive occasions, especially with the English texts "Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones" and "All Creatures of Our God and King". The tune's first known appearance was in the 1623 hymnal Auserlesene, Catholische, Geistliche Kirchengesäng (Selected Catholic Spiritual Church-Songs) during the Counter-Reformation and the Thirty Years' War, and the oldest published version that still exists is from 1625. The original 1623 hymnal was edited by Friedrich Spee, an influential Jesuit priest, professor, and activist against witch-hunts, who is often credited as the hymn's composer and original lyricist. The English Hymnal of 1906 was edited by Ralph Vaughan Williams, whose arrangement of the hymn has become the standard for English-speaking churches.