This edition was prepared by Jonathan Goodliffe — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Hostis Herodes
Staff Notation • Sacred, Office hymns
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Hostis Herodes by Pietro Pontio — Lyrics
1. Hostis Herodes impie,
Christum venire quid times?
Non eripit mortalia,
Qui regna dat caelestia.
2. Ibant magi, quam viderant,
Stellam sequentes praeviam:
Lumen requirunt lumine,
Deum fatentur munere.
3. Lavacra puri gurgitis
Caelestis Agnus attigit;
Peccata, quae non detulit,
Nos abluendo sustulit.
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About Hostis Herodes
Pietro Pontio's setting of Hostis Herodes is a four-part sacred work for SATB choir. The Latin text, a hymn for the Feast of the Epiphany, questions Herod's fear of the Christ child and celebrates His divine power and heavenly kingdom. The verses recount the Magi following the star to find Christ, Jesus washing away sins, and the miracle at Cana where water turned to wine. The final verse offers praise to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Pontio’s setting likely reflects the solemnity and celebratory nature of the text, offering a rich choral interpretation suitable for liturgical occasions.
