Hodie Christus natus est (2015)
for SATB Choir
In this contemporary setting of the traditional text Hodie Christus natus est, the piece begins in a hushed, exultant manner marking the news that ‘today Christ was born’. The piece then slowly builds into a climactic moment before a contrasting passage, reminiscent of the opening quietened jubilance, emerges out from underneath the texture. The work builds further yet again and breaks out into a triumphant, canonical Gloria in the upper parts before all the voices are united together at the end to sing ‘Alleluia’ in a still, yet ebullient, moment.
Hodie Christus Natus Est
Hodie Christus natus est
Hodie Salvator apparuit:
Hodie in terra canunt Angeli,
Laetantur Archangeli;
Hodie exsultant justi, dicentes:
Gloria in excelsis Deo, alleluja.
Today is Christ born;
Today the Saviour has appeared;
Today the Angels sing,
The Archangels rejoice;
Today the righteous rejoice, saying:
Glory to God in the highest. Alleluia!
- Traditional