This edition was prepared by Andreas Stenberg — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Beatus auctor seculi
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets
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Beatus auctor seculi by Thomas Stoltzer — 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
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About Beatus auctor seculi
This setting of a Latin text, likely intended for Christmas, explores the humble beginnings of Christ’s earthly life. The words, traditionally associated with the Nativity, describe the Creator of the world taking on human form to redeem humanity. The SATB voicing offers a rich blend of colours to express the profound mystery of the Incarnation, from the birth in a stable to the angelic and pastoral adoration. Thomas Stoltzer’s motet would suit a choir seeking a substantial and contemplative work for the Christmas season, reflecting on the theological depths of the Nativity story.
