Hodie Christus Natus Est

Hodie Christus Natus Est (Latin for Today Christ is Born) is a Gregorian chant sung at Christmas and exists in various versions by different composers, such as Palestrina, Poulenc, Sweetlinck and Giovanni Gabrieli. Giovanni Gabrieli (1557–1612) was an Italian composer and organist and one of the most influential musicians of his time. He represents the culmination of the style of the Venetian School, at the time of the shift from Renaissance to Baroque idioms. Born in Venice, he studied with his uncle, the composer Andrea Gabrieli, who was employed at St Mark's (San Marco's) Basilica. In 1584 he became principal organist at St Mark's Basilica and a year later following his uncle's death he took up the post of principal composer as well. Much of his music was written specifically for that location, which had a long tradition of musical excellence and Gabrieli's work there made him one of the most noted composers in Europe.

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