Music for Holy Week through Resurrection Sunday

The final week of Jesus Christ’s life has been an inspiration to composers for over two thousand years. Here are two playlists sampling some of the music inspired by the events leading up to the crucifixion and following through to his resurrection.

The first playlist includes major works by established composers with some anonymous works including Arabic and Greek chant. The second playlist includes more popular works including negro spirituals and popular tunes (Bob Dylan) and simpler hymns with some Jesus Christ Superstar thrown in, for better or worse. (You may find the second playlist more listenable.)

As a Christian, I do find Jesus Christ Superstar to be a powerful and compelling work of music despite the fact that it was likely not written or performed by Christian believers. Because of the subject matter, it can’t help but be spiritually compelling.