“Hodie Christus Natus Est” is the antiphon sung before and after the Magnificat (song of the Virgin Mary) in the monastic service of Vespers on Christmas Day. The text announces:
Hodie Christus natus est: / Hodie Salvator apparuit: / Hodie in terra canunt Angeli, / laetantur Archangeli / Hodie exsultant justi, dicentes: / Gloria in excelsis Deo. Alleluia.
Translated:
Today Christ is born: / Today the Savior appeared: / Today on Earth the Angels sing, / Archangels rejoice: / Today the righteous rejoice, saying: / Glory to God in the highest. Alleluia.
“Hodie Christus Natus Est” is traditionally sung monophonically (without accompanying harmony) to a Gregorian chant tune in Dorian mode (Mode 1 of the eight church modes). In this arrangement, the antiphon is presented three times, each harmonized and arranged differently, and the final “Alleluia” is played three times.
Score, parts (Bb tpt. 1, Bb tpt. 2, F horn, tbn, tuba) — $12.99
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