1st Sunday of Advent
Processional hymn: Savior of the Nations Come, 798
Recessional hymn: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus, 801
Kyriale: Mass XVII, 762; Credo IV, 780
Motet after Offertory: Alma Redemptoris Mater, G.P. Palestrina
Communion antiphon: Rorate Cœli De Super, Christoph Dalitz (b. 1967)
During Advent and Christmastide until February 2 the proper Marian antiphon sung at compline and for other occasions is Alma Redemptoris Mater. G.P. Palestrina set this text three times and this Sunday the choir will sing one version set for double choir. This motet is one of Palestrina’s most famous aside from Sicut Cervus and Jesu Rex. The motet begins with the incipit from the simple chant and the full choir continues from “redemptoris…” Unlike his other settings, this composition is entirely original in melody and has a mostly homophonic texture. This means that the choir moves mostly together rhythmically instead of as individual voices.
G.P. Palestrina (c. 1525–1594) is highly regarded for his contributions of Sacred Polyphony and development of counterpoint in the late 16th Century. In the post-Tridentine period he earned the reputation of the ideal Catholic composer for his success in reconciling the functional and aesthetic aims of Catholic church music. Palestrina wrote over 105 Masses and 250 sacred motets in addition to many other works.