Ab Oriente Venerunt Magi

This motet by Jacob Handl would be most fitting for the Epiphany season. The text recounts the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus. Handl’s SATB setting captures the solemnity and wonder of this biblical narrative. The Latin text, a traditional Marian antiphon, explores the symbolic significance of each gift: gold for the King, frankincense for God, and myrrh for his burial. The composer masterfully weaves these elements together, creating a rich and devotional musical experience suitable for sacred services and thoughtful choral programming.