Christmas In Switzerland – Christus natus est nobis (C 79/1979)

swissmusic

Early Christmas music sung by the Schola Cantorum of the Monastery of Einsiedeln in Central Switzerland.

Einsiedeln derives its name from the hermitage of a ninth century monk, Meginrat, who for nearly 30 years settled at the spot where the abbey stands today. The monastery plain-chant choir, the Schola Cantorum, has been led since 1946 by Father Roman Bannwart, an eminent scholar of ancient choral music. He himself has transcribed some of the centuries-old music presented in this edition.

Musical content

1. The Bells of the Monastery of Einsiedeln
2. INVITATORIUM: Christus natus est nobis – Christ is born to us
With two verses of Psalm 94. From Matins
3. HYMNUS: Christe redemptor omnium – Christ, the Redeemer of All
From Matins
4. RESPONSORIUM: Hodie nobis coelorum rex – The King of Heaven is Born Today
From Matins
5. CHRISTMAS TROPE: Hodie cantandus est nobis puer – We must sing of the child
(By Tuotilo)
For the Introitus of the 3rd Mass, without Psalm
From Midnight Mass
6.CHRISTMAS SEQUENCE: Natus ante saecula – Born before the Ages
(By Notker Balbulus)
From Midnight Mass
7. CHRISTMAS COMMUNIO: In splendoribus – In the Glories of the Saints
From Midnight Mass

Production information

Musica Helvetica. Christmas In Switzerland MH-C79. Christus natus est nobis. Produced 1979 for SBC / SRI by Lance Tschannen.

Background information

Switzerland is a small alpine nation shaped and influenced by great cultural cross-currents that have swept through Europe over centuries. Out of elements of diversity, the people of this country have forged a distinctly Swiss identity. And music is one of its most eloquent expressions. “Musica Helvetica” explores different facets of music in Switzerland from its earliest beginnings to the latest works of modern Swiss composers, from folk music to rock and jazz. This historical series span the years 1973 to 1998. These recordings are not available.