Hodie Christus Natus Est (303)(3 trumpets, 3 trombones; alternate parts for horns, lines 3 and 4) (Schutz was undoubtedly the greatest German composer of the 17th Century. He established traditions of style that pertained for several generations. He was the most notable student of Giovanni Gabrieli and brought from his early period of study in Venice the fruits of a rigorous training regime. After some haggling with his previous employer he became Kappelmeister at the Court of Saxony where he remained as a prized posession for many years. Due to the economic pressures created by the 30 years War he decided to take lengthy sabbaticals: to Italy where he spent time with Montiverdi learning the new dramatic styles that had developed since his previous visit and the Danish court where he had been requested to write music for a Royal wedding. In fact several times during his middle years he was given leave to travel away from Dresden to work for other employers. It was only with the death of Elector Johann Georg in 1657 that Schutz at the age of 72, was allowed to retire from regular musical duties though he continued to produce a steady flow of works for the rest of his unusually long life. This 6 part Christmas motet in the form of a renassaince concerto, with its various contrasting sections is from Schutzs middle period, written around 1647, a period of relative calm in his prolific career. Performance note: This version can be used as a purely instrumental item or can be used to double or replace voices in a vocal version as required. If used to double voices it may be considered desirable to tacet some sections and suggestions for this are made by printing in smaller notes. Some editorial expressions are added but feel free to add to or alter them as musically required.)
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