This edition was prepared by Charles H. Giffen — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
A solis ortus cardine
Staff Notation • Sacred, Office hymns
Preview
0
0
Subscribed as
Want Sunday picks sent to another address too?
Free weekly email
Your choir should not be left out in what's trending
Sunday mass selections, psalms, and trending songs in your area — straight to your inbox.
A solis ortus cardine by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina — Lyrics
A solis ortus cardine
Ad usque terrae limitem
Christum canamus Principem,
Natum Maria Virgine.
Beatus auctor saeculi
Servile corpus induit,
Ut carne carnem liberans
Non perderet quod condidit.
Clausae1 parentis viscera
Caelestis intrat gratia;
Venter puellae baiulat
Secreta quae non noverat.
Domus pudici pectoris
Templum repente fit Dei;
Intacta nesciens virum
Verbo concepit Filium.2
Read full lyrics
About A solis ortus cardine
This sacred hymn in Latin, A solis ortus cardine, is suitable for Advent or Christmas services. Palestrina's setting for SATB choir masterfully captures the reverence of the text, which describes the Nativity of Christ. The lyrics explore the divine humility of the Incarnation, from the Virgin Mary's conception to the birth in a manger, surrounded by heavenly hosts and visited by shepherds. Palestrina's polyphonic lines weave together to create a rich and devotional texture, reflecting the profound theological themes of the ancient text. The music offers a moving devotional experience, highlighting the wonder and mystery of the Christmas story.
