AME014- Hodie Christus Natus Est- Gabrieli

Description

HODIE CHRISTUS NATUS EST
GIOVANNI GABRIELI (c. 1553-6 – 1612)
arranged & edited for Brass Quintet & Organ by
J. SCOTT IRVINE

Programme Notes:

Giovanni Gabrieli was a noted composer of his day, living and working in
Venice for most of his life. His employment at St. Mark’s Basilica afforded
him the opportunity to exploit the unique design of the church interior with
its multiple choir lofts by using large forces of instruments or voices
spatially separated. Gabrieli was also one of the first composers to use
dynamic indications in his compositions.
Hodie Christus natus est (Today, Christ is born) dates from 1597, and was
composed originally for two antiphonal five voice choirs.

Performance Notes:

As with many of Gabrieli’s compositions, it is preferable to have spatial
separation between the two choirs, (in this case, between the sound of the
organ and the brass). For groups wishing a more authentic Gabrieli brass
sound, I have included Bb trumpet and alto trombone substitute parts for
the French horn and would suggest the use of a bass trombone or
cimbasso in lieu of the tuba.
JSI
Duration: 3:00