Ecce natalis rediit tonantes

This motet celebrates the Nativity, a day to be revered, when the Virgin Mary, through the Holy Spirit, gave birth to Christ. The text rejoices in the arrival of Christ, who brings healing and the longed-for joys of his kingdom. The second part asks why we fear, for Jesus brings salvation to the wretched. It describes Christ's descent from heaven to earth in human form, offering redemption to those burdened by sin. He then ascends to the heavens, freeing us from guilt. Jean de Castro's Ecce natalis rediit tonantes is written for a large choir, with rich SSATTB and SATTTB voicing, allowing for a grand and sonorous interpretation of this joyful Latin sacred text.