Hodie Christus natus est

Natività by Giotto – Cappella degli Scrovegni

Hodie Christus natus est (English Today Christ is born) is the Antiphon to the Magnificat, sung on the vespers on Christmas Day.

Musical settings at CPDL

William Byrd Giovanni Paolo Cima Giovanni Gabrieli a 8 (SATB.SATB) a 10 (SSATB.ATBBB) Adam Gumpelzhaimer Luca Marenzio Giovanni Maria Nanino

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina a 4 (SATB or TTBB) a 8 (SSAATTBB) Heinrich Schütz Joseph G. Stephens Jan Pieters Sweelinck Tullio Visioli

Text and translations

Latin text Hodie Christus natus est: Hodie Salvator apparuit: Hodie in terra canunt Angeli, laetantur Archangeli Hodie exsultant justi, dicentes: Gloria in excelsis Deo. Alleluia.

English translation by Allen H Simon Today Christ is born: Today the Savior appeared: Today on Earth the Angels sing, Archangels rejoice: Today the righteous rejoice, saying: Glory to God in the highest. Alleluia.