Bassano’s Christmas motet, Hodie Christus natus est, contrasts a relatively high trio with a more standard 4-part lower choir.
Giovanni Bassano (c. 1558-1617) was a famous cornetto player, joining the instrumental ensemble at St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice, in 1576 and becoming the leader of the ensemble in 1601, a position he occupied until his death.
This work is the twelfth piece in:
MOTETTI PER CONCERTI ECCLESIASTICI à5. 6. 7. 8. & 12 Voci, DI GIOVANNI BASSANO Musico della Serenissima Signoria di Venetia, Et Maestro di Musica del Seminario di San Marco. Novamente Composti, & dati in luce. IN VENETIA. Appresso Giacomo Vincenti. 1598.
A volume entitled BASSI PER L’ORGANO…, with a basso seguente part only for the works of seven or more voices, was printed one year later in 1599.
(Edited by Richard Charteris)
Text
Hodie salvator apparuit.
Hodie in terra canunt angeli,
laetandtur archangeli.
Hodie exultant iusti, dicentes:
gloria in excelsis Deo.
Alleluia.
This day the saviour showed himself.
This day on earth the angels sing,
the archangels rejoice.
This day the righteous exult, saying:
glory to God in the highest.
Alleluia.
