Hyperion Records

While the psalm settings of the Selva morale are scored for large groups of voices, the seven hymns are scored mainly for one or two voices with violins; only this one is for three voices, with violins playing both within the setting and between the verses. In the Selva it appears with the text ‘Deus tuorum militum’ underlaid, but Monteverdi indicates that it can be used for any hymn in the same metre. Here it is performed with the text of the Office Hymn for Christmas Vespers, ‘Christe redemptor omnium’.

from notes by John Whenham © 2003