Palestrina: Music for Advent & Christmas

Featuring

Martin Baker
Westminster Cathedral Choir
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

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Compositional Technique

The motet Hodie Christus natus est brilliantly exploits contrasting sonorities between high and low choirs, and sets slow passages against rapid, joyful exchanges.

Composition History

This album features a selection of Palestrina's music specifically for Advent and Christmas, which are significant liturgical periods in the church year.

Compositional Technique

Palestrina's Missa Hodie Christus natus est is a 'parody Mass,' meaning it is closely based on his earlier motet of the same name, reusing and adapting its musical material.

Composer Biography

Palestrina was admitted to the Pope's official chapel, the Cappella Sistina, in 1555 without examination, despite being married, but was later dismissed due to the chapel's celibacy rule.

Compositional Technique

Christe redemptor omnium is an 'alternatim' composition, where alternate verses of the hymn are set to chant and polyphony, with the plainsong melody often present in slow notes.