Coelos ascendit hodie, Op. 38, No. 2

Charles Villiers Stanford's Coelos ascendit hodie is a powerful setting of a Latin text celebrating Christ's ascension. The text describes Jesus taking his place at the right hand of the Father, governing heaven and earth, and bringing all things to completion. The second stanza proclaims the great triumph of Christ, seated on God's throne, and the final verses offer praise to the Holy Trinity with Alleluia and Amen. Stanford, a leading figure in late Victorian and Edwardian British music, crafts this motet for double SATB choir. The text's jubilant message of ascension and divine glory is reflected in the rich, sonorous choral writing typical of the tradition.