Description
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
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[column size=”col-6″]Hodie Christus natus est.
Hodie salvator apparuit.
Hodie in terra canunt angeli,
laetandtur archangeli.
Hodie exultant iusti, dicentes:
gloria in excelsis Deo.
Alleluia.[/column]
[column size=”col-6″]This day Christ was born.
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.
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