Personent Hodie

Description

Tenor, Bass, Piano, Finger Cymbals, Hand Drum — Personent Hodie is a medieval Christmas carol from the larger work Piae Cantiones—a published collection of songs intended for cathedral schools in 16th century Finland. The original tune uses modality and plainchant to evoke the mysterious character of Christmastide.This rhythmic setting of Personent Hodie expresses the tune in compound meter, resulting in a joyful energy. The optional hand drum and finger cymbals complement the melody with an exciting, dance-like pulse.“Ideo, gloria in excelsis Deo!”Therefore, glory be in the highest to God!Ideas for study and reflection:How might word stress be used to enhance overall musicality? What syllables should be stressed vs. unstressed?What dynamic markings are indicted in the score, and where do they occur?Listen to a recording of the original “Personent Hodie” written in 4/4 time. How are the two settings different? Hunt's vibrant, rhythmic setting of Personent Hodie expresses the tune in compound meter, resulting in a joyful energy for the singers. The optional hand drum and finger cymbals compliment the melody with an exciting, dance-like pulse, sure to be a hit with tenor-bass choirs.

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