Froxfield Choir

Claudio Monteverdi: Christe, adoramus te (1620)

Antiphon at Feasts of the Holy Cross

This motet was written for feasts of the Holy Cross, to be sung at the elevation of the host during mass. Although it can be sung chorally, it was probably written for five soloists. In the Venetian style then current, the music twists and turns spectacularly, showing sudden changes from one musical effect to another in the space of a few bars.

Christe, adoramus te,
et benedicimus tibi,
quia per sanctam crucem tuam
redemisti mundum.
Domine, miserere nobis.

We adore thee, O Christ,
and we bless thee,
because by thy holy cross
thou hast redeemed the world.
O Lord, have mercy on us.