Hodie nobis coelorum

From the first phrase, John Sheppard's Hodie nobis coelorum unfolds with a sense of joyous and reverent wonder. This responsory for SSAA voices sets a Latin text that celebrates the birth of Christ, the King of Heaven, from a Virgin. The music vividly depicts the text's message of salvation appearing to humankind, with the angelic hosts rejoicing. The composer masterfully uses the four-part texture to convey the 'salus aeterna' (eternal salvation) with rich harmonies and flowing melodic lines. This is a powerful and uplifting setting, ideal for conveying the profound mystery and exultation of the Nativity.