It seems like every brass band in the United States makes a Christmas CD for their first recording. These seem to be popular with audiences and I've collected quite a few myself including my favorite by the Illinois Brass Band, A Christmas Fantasy .

Some bands have even decided to record a second Christmas CD. Now as a Christian I have nothing against Christmas CDs, but I think that of the two major Christian holidays Easter is much more important! How about some Easter CDs?

I was discussing this with a friend and she asked what turns out to be a pretty difficult question: What would you put on an Easter CD? The obvious answer is "Easter music," of course. But that begs the question: What's Easter music? I'm inclined to paraphrase Justice Potter Stewart's and say "I can't define it but I know it when I hear it."

There are a few tunes that we traditionally associate with Easter. Widor's Toccata is frequently thought of as an Easter piece. Handel's Messiah can also be considered an Easter piece as well as a Christmas piece. But what else would be considered Easter music? And what would make a good selection for a brass band's Easter CD?

What do you think? Please send me your ideas using the Contact Me page.