Gloria in excelsis Deo In the liturgical year, the celebrations of the birth of Christ are among the most moving events. For generations, the Christmas liturgy has been enriched by a wide variety of musical styles. Angelic choirs and the "Gloria in excelsis Deo" resound at Christmas and accompany the shepherds. At the same time, the devotion and silence of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as the miracle of the Incarnation, are honored.
The oldest melodies of the Christian liturgy are monophonic chants, whose timeless beauty is reflected in delicate harmonies and tonal nuances. These chants express the prayers and thoughts of the Church according to the liturgical year. In the twelfth century, the term "cantus planus" was introduced for this first era of chant setting.
"Gregorian" refers to the Roman church chant from the time of Pope Gregory, who rearranged melodies and thus influenced the congregations. Besides Rome, Gregorian melodies also originate from regions such as Milan and France. Originally, Christ and his disciples sang Jewish hymns, which evolved throughout Christian history, leading to a division into Eastern and Western traditions.
In the early Middle Ages, liturgical chant was an integral part of church services and was structured by Benedict of Nursia. The seven canonical hours, known as the "Opus Dei," formed the religious framework. This CD presents a Christmas Eve Vespers service in Westminster Cathedral, which includes psalms, a responsory, and the Magnificat, highlighting the significance and beauty of this service.
Organ improvisations play a significant role during the liturgy, musically commenting on and enriching the celebration. Among the composers featured on this CD are Thomas Tallis and Heinrich Schütz, whose works musically reflect the joy of Christ's birth.
At the end, the prayers and hymns culminate in the depiction of the Nativity. Marian antiphons and other musical pieces accompany the liturgy and lead to the veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The selection of compositions on this CD musically underscores the celebration of Christmas.