Hodie Puer Nascitur

'Homo mortalis firmiter - Hodie puer nascitur', Biblioteca Nazionale, Turin, Ms. J. II. 9

Choral level of difficulty: 3 (5 greatest)

This is a fascinatingly colourful motet based on a chant which MacMillan gives the tenors throughout. The sopranos and altos are given free rhythm and marked lontano (distantly) and MacMillan directs that ‘each singer should enter a few seconds after the one before, creating a dense but quiet web of sound throughout’. The effect is magically ethereal. The highly unusual ensemble, using only violins and no string basses, together with bell-like instruments: celesta, crotales, glockenspiel and the gently percussive but resonant harp, creates an apt sense of ancient and modern and also conjures up something of a Christmas atmosphere.

The notes are not difficult but the challenge will be for less expert choirs to have the confidence not only to sing softly and beautifully enough, but also to sing sufficiently independently of each other as MacMillan asks. The issue of balance between the ensemble and choir will also need to be carefully worked out with the brass instruments playing as softly but expressively as demanded. Everything in the music is closely related and so everyone has a responsibility to everyone else in their sense of line and rhythm. The ending, which has the sopranos and altos fading out individually could be truly beautiful if managed with real sensitivity.

Repertoire note by Paul Spicer