This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Hostis Herodes impie
Staff Notation • Sacred, Office hymns
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Hostis Herodes impie by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina — 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 impie
This sacred Latin office hymn presents a series of dramatic events from the early life of Christ. The text begins by addressing Herod, questioning his fear of Christ's arrival and asserting that Christ does not take earthly power but gives heavenly kingdoms. It then recounts the Magi following the star, seeking light with light and acknowledging God through a gift. Later verses describe the baptism of Jesus and the miracle at Cana, where water turned to wine. The hymn concludes with a doxology, praising Jesus for appearing to the nations. Composed by Palestrina for SAATTB voices, this work offers a rich and complex sonic setting for the evocative sacred text.
