Hodie Christus natus est - G. Gabrieli
This motet, in ten parts, was published in Venice in 1597 as part of a collection of forty-five vocal and sixteen instrumental works called Sacrae Symphoniae Ioannis Gabrielii, Venetiis, apud Angelum Gardanum. The inscription on the title page contains the words Tam vocibus quam instrumentis, “so for voices as for instruments”, meaning that the instruments would be treated just as the voices, and the extreme pitch ranges of the works make it clear that instruments would have to have been used for some of the parts. It is now generally accepted that the division of parts was expected to be between ripieno and solo as well as vocal and instrumental.
The words of this carol are from a Gregorian Antiphon used on Christmas Day. An antiphon is a piece of plainsong which is sung before and after a canticle or psalm, framing it in a seasonal text.
Hodie Christus natus est: hodie salvator apparuit: Hodie in terra canunt angeli, laetantur archangeli: Hodie exultant justi, dicentes:Gloria in excelsis Deo: Alleluia. |
Today Christ is born: today the Saviour appeared: today on Earth the angels sing, archangels rejoice: today the righteous rejoice, saying Glory to God in the highest: Alleluia. |
O magnum mysterium - G. Gabrieli
This motet is also from the 1597 publication, and is in eight parts. The words are taken from the Responsory for Matins on Christmas Day.
O magnum mysterium, et admirabile sacramentum, ut animalia viderent Dominum natum, jacentem in praesepio! Beata virgo, cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Christum. Alleluia! |
O great mystery, and wonderful sacrament, that animals should see the new-born Lord, lying in a manger! Blessed is the virgin whose womb was worthy to bear Christ the Lord.Alleluia! |
Canzon prima a5 - G. Gabrieli
Beata es Virgo - G. Gabrieli
This Marian motet is also from the 1597 publication, and is in six parts. The text is from the Offertorium for the Feast of the Visitation (May 31st).
Beata es virgo Maria, Dei genitrix, quae credidisti omnia: perfecta sunt in te, quae dicta sunt tibi: ecce, exaltata es super choros angelorum: intercede pro nobis ad Dominum Deum tuum. |
You are blessed, O virgin Mary, Mother of God who had faith in all things:who believed that all has been fulfilled in You that was said to You: behold, You are raised up above the choirs of angels: pray for us to the Lord your God. |
