Hodie nobis coelorum rex

Rinaldo del Mel, a composer of sacred polyphony in the late Renaissance, penned this motet for SSATTB voices. The Latin text, drawn from liturgical sources, celebrates the Nativity of Christ. It speaks of the King of Heaven deigning to be born of a Virgin, thereby calling lost humanity back to the heavenly kingdom. The music rejoices with the angelic host at this manifestation of eternal salvation for humankind, proclaiming glory to God and peace to men of good will. Del Mel's setting emphasizes the joyful exultation of the text, with its elaborate vocal textures and celebratory mood.