Hodie Christus natus est a 7

Alvise Balbi was a composer of the late Renaissance whose output included sacred motets and secular madrigals. Hodie Christus natus est is a grand motet for double choir (SSAATTB), setting a Latin text that celebrates the Nativity. The text, taken from the Roman Breviary, joyfully proclaims Christ's birth and the appearance of the Saviour, with angels and archangels singing and the righteous exulting. Balbi's setting vividly conveys the exultation of the text, with the two choirs interacting and building towards a powerful conclusion. This piece offers a substantial and festive addition to the repertoire for a large, accomplished choir.