This edition was prepared by Willem Verkaik — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Hostis Herodes impie
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets, Office hymns
Preview
0
0
Subscribed as
Want Sunday picks sent to another address too?
Free weekly email
Your choir should not be left out in what's trending
Sunday mass selections, psalms, and trending songs in your area — straight to your inbox.
Hostis Herodes impie by Giovanni Francesco Anerio — 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.
Read full lyrics
About Hostis Herodes impie
Giovanni Francesco Anerio's motet Hostis Herodes impie is a striking example of sacred polyphony from the late Renaissance/early Baroque period. Scored for SSATB voices, the work sets a Latin text that reflects on the Epiphany, moving from Herod's fear of the newborn Christ to the Magi's adoration and the miracle at Cana. The composer masterfully uses the five vocal parts to depict the narrative, highlighting moments of tension and divine revelation. The text's theological depth is mirrored in Anerio's rich harmonic language and contrapuntal skill, offering a powerful musical setting of these significant liturgical themes.
