This double-choir setting of Angelus ad pastores ait, like all the other double-choir pieces by Scheidt included in the present series, is taken from his Cantiones Sacrae Octo Vocum, (Hamburg, 1620). The text used by Scheidt was a popular one for Advent/Christmas: we have already published a 9-part setting by Hans Leo Hassler (ADC 58 ↣) in the present series; there is also a 12-part setting by Giovanni Gabrieli (ADC 19 ↣).
(Bernard Thomas)
Translation:
The angel said to the shepherds in the field: “I bring to you good news, and great joy: today is truly born to us the Saviour of the world, Alleluia.”
