Composer

:

Francis Poulenc

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Motet

Compose Date

:

1952

Average_duration

:

2:17

'Hodie Christus natus est, FP 152/4' is a sacred choral work composed by Francis Poulenc in 1952. The piece is part of a larger work called 'Quatre motets pour le temps de Noël' (Four Christmas Motets), which was commissioned by the French radio station Radiodiffusion-Télévision Française. The premiere of the motets took place on December 20, 1952, in Paris, with the Choeur de la Radiodiffusion-Télévision Française conducted by Georges Prêtre. 'Hodie Christus natus est' is the fourth and final movement of the motets. The text is a Latin antiphon that is traditionally sung on Christmas Day, and it celebrates the birth of Christ. Poulenc's setting of the text is joyful and exuberant, with lively rhythms and bright harmonies. The piece is scored for four-part mixed choir a cappella, and it lasts approximately two minutes. The piece begins with a fanfare-like motif in the upper voices, which is then echoed by the lower voices. The choir then sings the text in unison, with a rhythmic accompaniment in the lower voices. The music builds in intensity as the choir repeats the text, with the upper voices soaring above the lower voices. The piece reaches a climax on the word "alleluia," which is repeated several times with increasing fervor. The music then subsides, with the choir singing the final phrase of the text in a hushed and reverent manner. Overall, 'Hodie Christus natus est' is a lively and joyful piece that captures the spirit of Christmas. Poulenc's use of bright harmonies and rhythmic energy creates a sense of celebration and exultation, while the final moments of the piece convey a sense of awe and wonder at the miracle of Christ's birth.

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